Stay Motivated to Work Out Even When it’s Time to Wear More Clothes

By Brian Maynor

 

I’ll confess, I don’t like working out.  It’s something I do because I know I should, and now that summer is over and with it the pool parties, beach trips and days in a swimsuit, it’s harder than ever to stay motivated.

Layering is one of the reasons I love fall and winter.  Not to mention it’s going to start getting dark earlier, the food is so much more comforting, aka starchy, and not to mention it will be time to start the holiday celebrations.  Halloween is literally a few weeks away, and that means lots of candy sitting around tauntingly.  So there is a never-ending list of distractions and excuses to encourage skipping a gym day or two.

In order to keep your motivation going through this seasonal downturn, psychologists suggest employing a few simple mind tricks are the key.  Here are a few recommended ones that promise to keep your willpower in check:

1.    Enlist your friends.  Working out with someone is definitely more fun than doing it alone, but that’s not the only way your friends can help.  Another way is to simply talk to them.  When we tell people about a goal, no matter what it is, we create a system of accountability and thus a greater likelihood of success.  Your friends are going to ask about your progress.  If you want an even larger group of ‘supporters’ post your goals on social media and solicit motivational check-ins.

2.    It’s okay to bargain with yourself.  Let’s face it the hardest part of going to the gym is getting in the front door.  Once you’re there it’s a whole lot easier to stick to your routines and goals, or even surpass them.  So if you’re dreading a specific routine day, like legs, make a deal with yourself to just get through the door.  Then you can start off slow, or with something you enjoy and see how you feel.  If your motivation kicks in, super, if not you’ve at least done something constructive.

3.    Plan on it.  I was pleasantly surprised at the fact that I already used this tip.  I put my workout schedule into my calendar.  That way I know if there are any conflicts plus get the constant reminders.  And now that I use Waze, I even get alerts on when to leave to make it on time.  Can it get any easier?

4.    Color coordinate.  Another tip offered is to only buy neutral colored workout clothes like black, white or grey with one signature color.  When you are looking for an excuse to skip the gym any one will do, like not having a matching outfit to wear.  Really it doesn’t matter at all what you wear to the gym, but at least you will eliminate that as an option.

5.    Bet on it.  Money matters so it’s not surprising someone is capitalizing on the idea of ‘putting your money where your mouth is’.  A new app called Pact taps into the motivational power of money.  Not only do you set your goals for the week, you also stake a small sum of money on hitting them.  Reach your goals and you get a payout, miss them and you pay up.  It’s definitely a new take on motivation, and the concept works with or without an app.

When it’s time to start putting more clothes on instead of taking them off a lot of us lose the incentive to maintain a rigid workout schedule.  Luckily there are scientist and psychologist ready to help us with mental tips and tricks, and when that fails now we can even use cold hard cash.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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