You sit in a car to commute to your desk job, where you sit for eight or more hours, only to continue the ever-popular tush time by sitting on your commute home. Of course, once there, you end up back on a chair at the dinner table and then plop your butt on the couch to binge on your latest Netflix addiction — no wonder sitting too much can take years off your life! That's why it's imperative that you make it a priority to move — here are 20 tips to help inspire you to get off your butt every single day.
On Sunday, map out your weekly workout plan so you know exactly what you're doing each day. This saves time trying to decide, "Hmm, should I go for a run or do a workout at home?" Mix up your workout routine to keep you excited and have alternate plans for outdoor workouts in case it rains.
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2Make Workouts Nonnegotiable
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Schedule workouts just as you would any other nonnegotiable important meeting. Tell coworkers and family members so they know you're unavailable during those times.
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3Pay in Advance
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Sign up and pay for classes ahead of time — it's much harder to skip out when you know you've already shelled out $20 or more.
To save time and motivate for morning workouts, wear part of your gear to bed, including wicking socks or shorts, and maybe your sports bra if it's not too tight. If you're already wearing it, you'll be less likely to skip out.
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8Start Your Day in Your Leggings
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd Product Credit: MPG top and pants, Uniqlo jacket, Wetherly sunglasses
Even if you're not working out first thing, wake up and put on your entire workout outfit including sneakers. You're more likely to make it happen if you're already dressed and ready to go.
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9Keep It Short
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd Product Credit: Live in Process top, H&M pants, APL sneakers
Some days you might not feel ready for the HIIT session you mapped out last Sunday. Be OK with less intense workouts. Even a relaxing stretch session counts as moving.
Instead of taking a lunch break, hit the gym or take a class, then eat your lunch afterward while working (make sure it's already made so you don't have to waste time going to pick up lunch).
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12Set a Motivational Reminder
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Set an alarm on your phone with a meaningful message such as "Busier people are already at the gym," "You know you'll feel better afterward," or "Today's choices are tomorrow's body."
Follow the five-minute rule. Even on days when you're not feeling 100 percent, set your timer and go for five minutes — chances are that once you get moving, you'll be inspired to keep going.
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14Find a Fitness Buddy
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd Product Credit: Model on left: PE Nation top and pants, APL sneakers. Model on right: Nike top, Stella Adidas pants, APL sneakers
Find a consistent workout buddy. Committing to meet someone makes it much harder to skip out.
Mark every workout in your calendar. Sometimes the satisfaction of seeing every day crossed off will motivate you to keep going for that week or that month.
Reward yourself! Have a little something to look forward to after every workout, whether it's a hot shower with a new shampoo, a warm and cinnamony post-workout breakfast, or a new book to read on your rest day.
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19Share on Social
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Share your workouts on social media. You'll be so surprised by all the positive feedback and encouragement that it's sure to motivate you on days when you feel like chucking your sneakers out the window. It may even serve as a source for helpful workout tips.
Don't beat yourself up if you miss one day or maybe even half the week. Tomorrow is a new day, a chance to make a fresh start. So get right back on that exercise-every-day wagon.