We all have those days when starting a workout that day just seems a bit more challenging. Today was one of those days that required a bit more effort to get myself to the gym.

These past few months after I finished my marathon, has been recovery for me, as I have been doing a few jogging miles a week, and aimed to get back to more strength training. I had laid off weight training while focusing on higher mileage during marathon training and it’s rigorous schedule.

I tend to do better with a set exercise schedule, knowing which days I have planned for structured exercise, and which days I have to rest. Sometimes we naturally fall into a schedule where certain days of the week are easier to keep routine and make exercise more achievable.

Let’s just say that the past 3 months has been a mish mash of a routine for me!

I’ve been varying days, as well as the time of day that I work out. When I was younger, my body preferred working out in the late afternoon or evening. With marathon training, I was successful with early morning workouts to start the day off. Lately it’s been a combination of both.

Either morning or evening time to workout allows for success, just pick the option that you can stick to. Consistency is your key to success.

Here are some of my tips to help on the days when a little extra effort is needed to get you started.

• Plan the day before what time you will be able to workout the following day.
• Be willing to adjust that time on that given day if things come up. This is one reason morning workouts are sometimes easier to maintain, as the day hasn’t gotten away from you yet.
• Tell a friend. Let them know your workout time, and that you may need an extra push to get started.
• Ask your friend to join you. If it’s a new routine, having a buddy will help you start, and then to keep going.
• Set your clothes, shoes and gear out the night before.
• Before your set workout time, get your clothes on, and put on those shoes, and get to your planned exercise location. Getting there is sometimes half the battle.
• Just start. Running or training is just as much a mental game as a physical one. In the past, I have told myself to do just 5 minutes, which I extended to 10, then 20, and ended up getting in my full planned workout time. Sometimes I don’t get the full time, but 10 minutes is better than zero minutes.
• Make yourself a reward chart. I’ve made sticker charts for myself and my clients before, you’d be amazed to know that most of us still respond to our kindergarten training. Do your activity, get a sticker.

Sometimes, our bodies are exhausted and really do need a rest day. So be kind to yourself, and listen to your body if rest is truly needed. Tomorrow is a new day.

Anyone else need some extra help getting moving today?