Sometimes you don't want to get out of bed. Sometimes you don't want to leave your office because you feel like there are too many deadlines (but this is when you need a workout the most!).



Sometimes you don't want to end story time with the kids only to head down to the basement gym.

It even happens to me.

Sometimes I just don't feel like hitting the gym, but I never let that stop me!Even I get tired, but I knew the workout would energize me.

But I knew how I'd feel like a million bucks after the workout.

And in the end, I know I can't let myself become "soft" and start skipping workouts. I have to lead by example.

But if you are set on achieving a goal, then when it's workout time, come heck or high water you've got to bear down and do the job.

So here are some tips for you to get inspired to get through your workout.

1) Reward yourself. Finish your workout and treat yourself to a magazine, a TV show, some extra time with your family, some new songs for your IPOD, or even a little extra time for yourself. 2) Or set up a punishment for missing workouts. Skip the workout, put $20 into a jar to spend on home repairs. Make sure your spouse controls the jar.

3) Review your goals everyday and every night. Keeping your goals fresh in your mind will help you stay on track.

4) Once you get started, you will finish. Once you get 5 minutes into the workout, you will be over the hump. So tell yourself, "I'll just go in and do 1 set of the first 2 exercises, then I can go". Next thing you know, you'll have done the entire workout.

5) Visualize yourself doing a great workout and finishing strong. Get yourself mentally prepared and you will literally have better workouts each time.

6) Crank the tunes. Seriously, nothing motivates like music.

7) Get social support. Train with a friend to avoid skipping workouts. Or become accountable to everyone in the Turbulence Training workout forums...if you don't post your workouts, they'll track you down and demand to know why you've fallen off track! Get social support from people all over the world!

Now get out there and kick the fat to the curb,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS