Tips on How to Not Blow Off Your Workout

I think one of the real keys to having success in the gym is making yourself accountable to someone else. We all should be accountible to ourselves. But we usually aren't. If it's entirely up to me and no one else, I'd probably go home after work and grab a nap. Or work on the never ending to-do list. You'll never be perfect but here are some ways to make yourself accountible to someone else.

1) Have a workout partner and plan to drive to the gym together. That way you're letting your buddy down if you blow off your workout.

2) Create a monthly gym attendance competition with your workout partner(s). Everyone chips in a little cash. Winner takes home the prize.

3) Schedule your workout like a dentist appointment. The dentist is always cranky when you're a no show. If it's written down as part of your week, you're more apt not to miss.

4) Hire a personal trainer. It doesn't fit everyone's budget but a good personal trainer will playfully lay a guilt trip on you when you miss. Even though it's your money, you do sorta feel like you're letting him down and wasting his time if you bail.

5) Think of your family. Do you want to see those grandkids someday or not? Admittedly, hitting the gym now guarantees nothing. But it dramatically increases the odds of a longer life.

Another trick that helped me is simplifying my goal. It's really simple. Don't make it your goal to get fit by a certain date. It can overwhelm you. Just drive to the gym. That's all. My goal is to get in my car and drive to the gym.

That's it. The rest always seems to take care of itself.

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Tony Greco's DLWV Tip of the Week - Don't let stress get the better of you. It can be lethal. You can break down stress by spending at least a little time every day doing something you like. Play with your kids, jump in the hot tub, go for a walk, get a massage, read, listen to relaxing music or meditate. Whatever. If it helps you unwind, it'll also help you live longer.