How to Exercise After Work?

Answer 1

It's a problem we all face: After a long, grueling day at work, you know you need to exercise, yet the fatigue of working a 12 hour day has you worn out. The statistics show most of us aren't likely to follow up with exercise after work either--according to a recent report by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 20.3 percent of us are meeting the aerobic and strength-training activity recommendations set by the organization. So how do you make exercise a priority after a long, grueling day at work? Ben Greenfield, an exercise expert for Quick and Dirty Tips, has the solution. "Even for a guy like me who’s really into fitness, it can still be hard to work out after a long day at the office," says Greenfield. "Over time, I realized that there’s a big, big difference between being active on your feet all day, sitting in front a computer." So what do health experts recommend to get you out of your exercise rut? 1. Bring your workout equipment with you to work. It can take considerable time getting ready to work out--such as removing your work clothes in lieu of more appropriate workout-friendly clothes. Chances are if you set foot inside your home after a busy work day, however, you'll feel more motivated to take a snooze instead of getting to the gym. Yikes! What to do instead: Instead of going home to change, cut out the extra work by bringing your workout clothes and equipment to work. You can change in your work bathroom right after your shift ends, increasing the likelihood that you'll carry through with your daily workout session. 2. Sign up for a gym class. Nothing motivates people more than spending money to join a class--and chances are you'll be less motivated to skip working out if there's a class you have to attend. Joining a class also puts less stress on you to perform since you'll have an instructor helping you work out. Alternative:Can't sign up for a gym class? Instead, try getting a gym buddy instead--and schedule time after work to meet up. It's easy to be delinquent with workouts when you're working out alone, but with a gym buddy you risk ruining both of your workouts if you miss out. 3. Stay hydrated. It may sound like an odd tip, but getting dehydrated before your workout can actually lower your motivation. Why? Dehydration doesn't just make you thirsty--it's more likely to make you tired, irritable, or get a migraine, all problems that can interrupt you from getting in a good workout. What to do instead: To stay hydrated, drinking enough water before working out is essential. For ample hydration, try drinking at least 20 oz. of water every hour or so, amping up the hydration an hour before your workout. Not only will this scare away fatigue or migraines, you'll probably feel more energetic too--something that will get you into the gym!