CheekyChicago

Your dog ate your gym lock and you just can’t leave your purse in a locker without it. Or maybe you can’t work out because you have such a hot date that it will take you two hours instead of one to get ready. If you’ve ever dodged working out (the way, ya know, you dodge an ex-boyfriend?), take our Cheeky advice and become friends with exercise!

1. My Boss Says I Have To (fill-in-the-blank):

For all the times you have to work late, finish a report or meet clients out for drinks, you’d think you’d be running the company by now. The truth is work will only come first so long as you put it there. Have a conversation with your boss about ways you can compromise on your time, work-related drinks and the like. Not every happy hour with clients will change your career. But every workout you do will better your health.

2. I Drank Too Much Last Night

Oops… you did it again! A night out with the girls is a must! But sometimes a few too many cocktails can cause you to forgo your Sunday morning workout for a Sunday morning hangover. Alcohol causes dehydration, giving you a hangover and lower energy for a workout. For every cocktail you drink, drink a glass of water. It will decrease your calorie intake and give you the energy you need to get to kickboxing class the next day!

3. I Look Fat in My Workout Clothes

First off, everyone at the gym is there because they have something they want to work on. It might be for weight loss, strengthening or even stress-relief. But at the gym, most people are more focused on the state of their own bodies than the state of yours. If you feel so insecure about your body that you ditch the gym, you have two choices. You can stay insecure and unhealthy. Or you can go to the gym with your head held high, get in shape and maybe even meet people who can give you a great support system.

4. You HATE Exercising

It’s sometimes tough, uncomfortable or even tedious. But working out doesn’t have to be so bad. Are you a data person? Try logging your activity level on onlinefitnesslog.com or myfooddiary.com. What about music? Type in Schwinn iMixes into iTunes and you’ll find playlists from spin instructors around the world. Other than that, bring a friend, take a fitness class or give yourself a game plan by writing out your workouts ahead of time.

Photo Credits: Featured image by lpatov, street signs by Michael D. Brown, sleepy girl by Jeta and girl by the mirror by Carl Stewart.