Training for Energy

Ever had that feeling you can't be bothered to train?

Of course you have - we all have. It's something I give constant thought to - if I deliberately miss the session then I analyse why to see if I can avoid this next time.

So here are the possible reasons and the defence mechanisms.

1 Can't do mornings - if this is your only realistic time then pre-plan a routine. Have your kit and work clothes (if you're going from gym to work) ready he night before; pre-plan the getting up routine. First time around or so do a mini session to just help create the routine. Plan all the other bits - shaving, breakfast (where and how), perhaps 2 alarms. Drink water 1st thing.

2 Can't do lunch / after work - usually the issue is hunger - take a snack hat's filing enough and eat roughly 1 - 1.5 hours before

3 Too tired - here is the key circular problem - it's training that gives you more energy. But you need to keep working at it. Rather than avoid the session go for a mini session - effectively kee n the groove. Even if it achieves very little that particualr time, it maintains the habit and pushes your body to do a bit more than it you think it wants. Next time you will be primed for more.

4 Hangover - this can be a real challenge. When the drinks session is on develop a water strategy to dilute down (you rehydrate but also reduce the times you are drinking alcohol). When you emerge tomorrow try to do something even if it is a rubbish session. See point above.

5 Feeling sore from prev gym session - change what you do - eg legs or top half if the other half is hurting. Or swim / run / cycle / HIIT training.

6 Bored with gym - break it up and do different regimes. Mix in cardio with strength training. Go swimming. Find new challenging exercises. Mix in locations - calisthenics at home / weights in gym / run in park / swim at local pool.

Other tips

7 Prime your body - I do 20 squats, 15 pushups and 10 situps all at speed; then rotate as many joints as possible and then 5 mins on a cardio exercise. That not only gets the body ready but the mind as well. Do the first stage first thing in the morning as well if time permits. it gets the blood and energy flowing just when you need it

8 If you work from home consider using the soundbite system I mentioned in a previous post.