Yesterday as I left the gym, I literally had to say to myself, “Anything is better than nothing Sharon.” Due to the time change (which I really do not like,) colder weather and of course the holidays, my motivation level to get to the gym is less than good. As soon as the temperature drops below 60 degrees, I just want to wear my sweats and sit by the fireplace. Sound nuts to you? I’m from Erie, Pennsylvania, so winter is my least favorite season, I just have always loved hot, sunny weather–Houston works well for me 
We all know that we feel so much better after the gym, so why is it so hard to get there?? And, really when I say the gym, this can apply to any form of exercise: walking at the park, playing tennis, or anything that requires physical activity. The gym seems to be a broad term these days with a larger meaning–that of “working out.”
So, what should you do when you are feeling unmotivated to work out? 
Here are some things I do:
1. Have a packed gym bag in your car at all times with a change of clothes and a few snacks such as nuts, protein bars or protein shake so you’re not too hungry and end up going through the drive through instead.
2. Join an inexpensive gym which has several locations throughout the city you live in for convenience, sometimes it’s easy to pop in to a gym on the other side of town in between errands and get a quick workout in.
3. In your mind think of a few times in the day you could get to the gym, have a general plan in your head and a backup in case the first time doesn’t work out.
4. Find a workout friend you can meet for accountability–this will make your workouts more fun too, talking while doing cardio definitely makes the time go by faster.
5. Load your iPod with your favorite music and Podcasts, this is another great way to zone in while working out (my favorite motivator.)
6. Find a picture of someone who is fit and post in an area where you will see everyday–even a few pictures, make it fun and know that all of us have the potential to get fit regardless of how long it’s been since you worked out.
7. Buy a workout journal to track progress (add a picture in here too) or download an app for your phone.
8. This may apply to women buy a new workout outfit–Luke’s Locker is my favorite, wearing something you like, feel and look good in will definitely keep you going back for more.
9. Always, make sure if you have not exercised regularly, that you seek out your doctor’s recommendation, be safe with your plan.
10. Use the mantra, “anything is better than nothing!!” If you find that you are talking yourself out of going to the gym or jogging, say this to yourself and just start, you’ll be surprised at what you end up accomplishing.
Bottom line, “anything IS better than nothing.” Everyday you don’t make it to the gym or exercise is one more day you are further from your goal instead of closer. Your workouts will all add up even if they only last 15 minutes and you just work one muscle group. Remember, diet is 70% of it, the exercise will expedite your progress and keep your mind and body healthy, so don’t overwhelm yourself with thoughts of one hour cardio sessions and one hour weight training, instead, just get there, you’ll probably end up doing more than you think! See you at the gym
