5 Steps To Making The Gym Fun Again, Plus Free Printables!

   We've all been there... riding the struggle bus to get ourselves back to the gym. If you too have found that your excuses have equated to extra weight on the scale, fret not! Today's post is all about finding your rhythm and making the gym fun once again. Be sure to check out the bottom of the post because I've teamed up with Planet Fitness Tulsa and have a special offer for all Tulsa readers. 

STEP 1: Forgive Yourself

    It's no big surprise that we are our own worst critics, so first things first, forgive yourself and let the past go. That 'excuse making you' is long gone and this is a fresh start to your new fitness journey. I highly recommend writing a letter to the old you and forgiving yourself fully. This truly allows you to start with a clean slate and fresh mindset. 

STEP 2: Find A Gym That Fits You

       You want to find a gym that makes you look forward to every training session. That is why it's so important to find a gym that doesn't have judgmental or pushy staff. Personally, I'm taking advantage of Planet Fitness' "Judgment Free" environment where none of my rolls or love handles will be criticized. They have a truly judgment free policy and I love it! All Planet Fitness locations are open 24/7 so whether you're going in first thing in the morning, sans makeup fresh out of bed, or after a long day and look disheveled, it's okay. It's always okay. Don't believe me? Check out their mission statement, here. 

          The first couple of experiences are critical  when establishing a new routine. I mean, this is when you decide to either make it into a habit (more on this later) or give in to your old ways. That is why finding a place that truly makes you feel comfortable is so important. Who wants to keep going back to a place where they feel insecure and judged?! I know I don't. 

STEP 3: Make It A Habit

     As I've mentioned in previous posts, a new habit can be created by repetition and accountability. A surefire way of setting yourself up for success is by having a habit tracker like this week's Freebie. If you would like to download, simply right click and hit "save as." 

      Once you've created or downloaded your tracker, you will want to establish which habits you would like to create. Alongside the traditional habits such as 'wake up early,' 'pack gym bag,' or 'meal prep,' I also recommend incorporating workout classes like 30 minute circuit  or scheduling a session with Patrick McCombie at the Tulsa Riverside location where you can create a custom workout routine (FYI all group training sessions are included with a Planet Fitness membership). When you physically sign up for a training session you are much more likely to hold yourself accountable. 

STEP 4: Treat Yo' Self

   An awesome way keep yourself is by rewarding your wonderful new habits.  My two favorite ways to do this is by spoiling myself with either a new workout item or indulging my aching muscles with some sort of spa treatment. 

       My new Planet Fitness membership makes this motivational hack super easy to achieve because I get a 20% discount at Reebok and full use of their Black Card spa which includes tanning, hydro massage beds, and massage chairs! Ummmm can you say, "yes, please!"

Planet Fitness at Riverside

Planet Fitness at Riverside

STEP 5: Remember Your Why

      The last tip to making the gym fun again is to remind yourself of why you are doing it in the first place.  A really fun way of doing this is by creating a mini vision board. You can add pictures of a fitter you, healthy meals, and a vacation or event you are getting ready for. You can then keep this image in digital form by taking a picture with your phone, or simply placing it somewhere you will readily see it everyday. 

      I hope you've enjoyed this week's beauty and health post. If you would like to sign up with my local Planet Fitness, be sure to do so before December 31st. They are running a special for all Tulsa readers:  $0 enrollment fees for all Black Card memberships when you use the code HASSPF. 

       Let me know if you have any questions or tips on how you stay motivated through the holidays in the comment section below. I love hearing from you!