A few months ago I posted a list of exercise motivation tips that can help to get you in the workout mood. But even when I apply all of these tips, there are still some days when I just don’t feel like exercising. So as an addition to my original 17 Exercise Motivation Tips, I’m adding 6 Preworkout Turnoffs. Try not to do these things or else you just may feel lazy come gym time!

sleepy1. Not Sleeping

Not getting enough zzz’s will definitely make you want to hit the sack instead of hitting the gym. If your body is tired how can you expect it to want to run around. If you want to feel fresh and ready to go, make sure to get a good night’s sleep. 

food coma

2. Eating a Huge Meal

Food coma’s are real! The scientific term is actually titled Postprandial somnolence and is described as “a general state of low energy related to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system in response to mass in the gastrointestinal tract, and a specific state of sleepiness caused by hormonal and neurochemical changes related to the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream and its downstream effects on amino acid transport in the central nervous system” (Dr Wikipedia ;). In case all that sciency jargon bored you, it just means that when you eat a lot you’ll want to go lie on the sofa and take a nap.

not eating

3. Not Eating

Working out and eating cleanly go hand and hand. Working out and starving yourself do not. Just like any other machine, if your body doesn’t have any fuel how do you expect it to turn on. To stay energized, make sure your body has some carbs and protein to work off from. Give yourself a light meal or a protein bar before hitting the gym. 

busy

4. Saving Your Workout for the End of the Day

This can seem impossible to avoid if you have a full schedule and aren’t a morning person (I am NOT a morning person). But if you hold off on working out until you have finished everything else, your day alone is probably going to wear you out. And even if you have the energy, you might not have the time. Things that need to be done have a way of jumping out at you throughout the day, so your scheduled night workout out may end up getting overrun. To combat this try squeezing in little bursts of exercise with your Rubberbanditz workout band throughout the day ;)

bored

5. Doing the Same Workout Everyday

Its boring to just get on the treadmill and do the same old same old. Switch up your workout routine, so you’re doing different stuff every day. This way you won’t get bored and dread exercising. Try jogging outdoors Monday and popping in a yoga DVD tuesday. Whatever floats your boat. Just keep it fresh.

beer

6. Having a Beer

Drinking before your workout isn’t likely to put you in the gym mood. Be smart and save drinking as a post workout reward rather than a pre workout toast. Though be aware because studies have shown that Americans are likely to drink more booze if they exercise that day. Be careful of how many drinks your guzzling down because you may completely counteract your hard work at the gym.