The Surprising Way 1 Soccer Star Mentally Preps For a Tough Workout

US women's soccer star and BODYARMOR spokesperson Sydney Leroux understands the necessity of a consistent and challenging workout schedule — she is gearing up for the World Cup, after all! Even as a professional athlete, Sydney doesn't head into every single workout feeling incredibly inspired and oh so motivated. She adheres to the mantra "it always hurts before it gets better," which every fit woman can relate to in some capacity. When things feel tough, some people turn on tunes, some just get through the first 10 minutes, and others think of their weight-loss goal, but Sydney has a surprising way she pumps herself up: she thinks about how awesome she'll feel after working out. "I always think about having a really good workout and feeling so tired and so dead and you want to give up, but you don't," Sydney explains. "At the end of the workout, when you're finished and you're driving home, you have that feeling that you really feel like you've really accomplished something."

Even though I had the best intentions of waking up to run last night, I woke up this morning feeling groggy and cozy and desperately wanting to stay in bed. I hit snooze once, woke back up a few minutes later, and thought about how awesome I would feel covered in sweat after putting in a few miles this morning. I channeled my inner Sydney, popped up out of bed, laced up my shoes, and headed outside. The next time you find yourself in a similar situation, think about how awesome, awake, and alive you will feel after completing your workout. You won't regret it.