Lift, Laugh, Love
Alright, babes, let’s talk fitness. Specifically, how to move your body in a way that doesn’t make you want to throw your trainers at the wall and dramatically swear off exercise forever. Because honestly, life’s too short to spend an hour on the treadmill questioning your existence.
Now, I know we all want to be that girl, the one who wakes up at 6 AM, chugs a green smoothie, and goes on a casual 5K run before work like she’s starring in a Nike ad. But if you’re anything like me, you wake up at 7:45, press snooze three times, and consider it a personal victory when you make it to the gym at all. And that’s fine.
So, how do you find a workout routine you actually enjoy? One that doesn’t feel like a punishment for eating an entire pizza on Friday night (because balance, obviously)? Let’s get into it.
1. Ditch the ‘One-Size-Fits-All’ Mentality. First things first, if your bestie swears by weightlifting but you’d rather stick a fork in your eye than deadlift, that’s okay. Your workout routine should fit you, not some arbitrary fitness trend. Some people thrive in a sweaty, dark-lit spin class where an instructor yells inspirational quotes at them. Others prefer a peaceful solo run where they can pretend they’re the main character in a coming-of-age film. You do you.
2. Find the Fun. If working out feels like a chore, you’re doing it wrong. The trick? Find something that feels less like ‘exercise’ and more like ‘having a good time while coincidentally breaking a sweat.’ Pole dancing? Boxing? A dance class where you can channel your inner Beyoncé? The options are endless, and I promise there’s something out there that will make you look forward to moving your body. Top tip: If you’re dreaming of a burger in the process, try something else. Trust me, I learnt the hard way.
3. Make It Sexy. Not to be shallow, but sometimes all it takes to get in the workout mood is a cute gym outfit. Science (okay, my personal experience) shows that feeling like a bad b***h in a matching set is half the battle. Treat yourself to that new sports bra or those leggings that make your bum look phenomenal, you deserve it.
4. Set the Right Mood. A killer playlist is non-negotiable. Whether you need some aggressive rap to power through your squats or a nostalgic 2000s pop mix to make cardio bearable, music can turn a ‘meh’ workout into a full-on main character moment. Also, let’s be real, half the reason we work out is to dramatically pretend we’re in a Rocky montage.
5. Embrace the Chaos. Your routine doesn’t have to be perfect. Some weeks, you’ll feel like a fitness queen, smashing personal bests and drinking enough water to qualify as a hydration influencer. Other weeks, you’ll roll around on a yoga mat for ten minutes and call it a day. Both are valid. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
6. Reward Yourself (Yes, Bribery Works). If all else fails, give yourself a little incentive. A post-workout coffee? A long, steamy shower with your fanciest products? (Or with a 6’4 man who has impeccable abs, up to you.) A new episode of your favourite show? Bribe yourself shamelessly. You are not above it, and neither am I.
At the end of the day, exercise isn’t about punishing yourself or fitting some unattainable aesthetic, it’s about feeling strong, capable, and (let’s be honest) a little smug when you actually commit to it. So, find a workout that makes you feel good, embrace the chaos, and if all else fails, at least you’ll have a cute gym outfit to wear to brunch.
