Understanding the struggle of mustering motivation for a workout after a lengthy workday is common. However, adopting a few straightforward strategies can significantly ease the process and diminish the perceived challenges.

1. Calendar Commitment: Incorporate your workout into your schedule just like you would with crucial events or meetings. By marking it on your calendar, you signal its importance to your brain and enhance your commitment to yourself.
2. Preparation is Key: Ensure success by planning in advance. Pack your gym bag the night before and switch into your workout attire before leaving the office. Facilitate a smooth transition from work to the gym, eliminating last-minute obstacles.
3. Mental Transition: Leave work-related thoughts at the workplace. The gym serves as an excellent buffer for this mental transition. If separating work from personal life is a challenge, utilizing the gym as a post-work ritual can be effective.
4. Avoid Going Home First: Once you’re home, the difficulty of leaving again, especially for a potentially perceived “boring” workout, increases. Head straight to the gym after work to eliminate the temptation of staying at home. Once there, you’re likely to engage in at least a brief exercise routine.

Considering the current trend of remote work, the distinction between home and office may be blurred. However, this shouldn’t be an excuse to skip your workout. Planet Fitness presents a practical solution through the “No Time to Workout” Series—an after-work exercise plan requiring only 20 minutes, adaptable to any location, and devoid of equipment. This program seamlessly transitions you from work mode to a relaxed evening state.

WINDING DOWN WITH FAVORITE POST-WORK EXERCISES

Despite the mental fatigue from a day’s work, many individuals hold sedentary jobs, necessitating physical activity. Although a weary mind may mislead you into believing your body is equally tired, incorporating a few preferred exercises can effectively counteract this perception. It’s essential to recognize the importance of moving your body after prolonged periods of inactivity.

That’s why initiating with a gradual pace is a wise approach. Allow yourself shorter workout sessions post-work, particularly when establishing a new routine, as even brief exercises confer significant benefits to the body.

Embarking on a slow beginning is effortlessly achievable through these uncomplicated favorites:

1. Easy Stretches: Incorporate a few unhurried stretches to revitalize your body after prolonged computer use. Child’s pose, forward bends, and gentle side stretches effectively open up your body following a lengthy day.
2. Brisk Walk: Whether around the neighborhood in pleasant weather or on a treadmill, a slightly accelerated walking pace stimulates the body and quiets the mind, even if it’s only for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strength Training: Once warmed up and at the gym, indulge your body in some strengthening exercises. Experiment with beginner functional fitness routines. At home, engage in planking or wall sits—conveniently doable during TV show commercial breaks.
4. Cool Down: Regardless of workout duration, conclude with a cooldown to signal your brain that the activity is concluding. Extend your session with a few more stretches or try a rejuvenating yoga pose like “Legs-up-the-wall” to invigorate the final part of your day.

Bear in mind, your fitness journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Commence with manageable exercises and progressively construct your routine.

FAQ: WHEN TO WORK OUT

If you’re pondering the optimal time for a workout—pre or post-work—consider your personal preferences and schedule. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; the best time is the one that aligns with your lifestyle.

SHOULD I WORK OUT IN THE MORNING OR EVENING?

The ideal workout time hinges on your routine and energy levels. Some favor morning sessions to jumpstart their day, while others find evening workouts a means to unwind. Discover a time that integrates seamlessly with your lifestyle, fostering consistency in achieving your fitness goals.

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO HIT THE GYM—BEFORE OR AFTER WORK?

Much like many things, there’s no definitive response to the “best” time to work out. It turns out, there’s no universal best time—only what works best for you!

And for those seeking the perfect workout window, Planet Fitness stays ahead with the PF Crowd Meter, allowing you to gauge your local PF location’s busyness before heading there. If today’s schedule doesn’t permit a visit, the PF App provides workouts, ensuring you stay active wherever you are.

BACK TO CAMPUS: THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Returning to campus after summer or winter break can be a source of considerable stress. Balancing packed schedules filled with classes, work, and family commitments, students often find it challenging to prioritize exercise. Consequently, it’s alarming that nearly 50% of college students are deemed inactive.

For many young adults, the transition to college marks their first encounter with the unexpected challenge of inactivity. While the newfound freedom is exhilarating, assuming responsibility for one’s well-being can be daunting.

This shift is particularly impactful on mental health, with 40% of college students grappling with depression and 60% reporting heightened anxiety and stress levels. Given these statistics, it’s no wonder that a significant majority of college students acknowledge the potential benefits of therapy.

If your campus offers counseling services, make sure to utilize these programs. Additionally, we recommend another valuable resource for overall health and wellness: regular exercise.

The encouraging news is that you don’t have to navigate your health journey alone. Seek out an affordable fitness center near campus for support and expert guidance when needed.

Whether you’re returning to campus after a break or embarking on your first semester, it’s crucial to carve out time for physical activity to maintain high grades and a sharp mind. Indeed, there are substantial benefits to incorporating exercise into the routine of college students.

TOP BENEFITS OF EXERCISE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS The advantages of regular exercise are numerous, and college students stand to gain from them as well. Here are a few benefits that may be less familiar to you:

Although not exhaustive, here are some notable advantages of exercise for college students:

1. Enhanced Physical Health: Exercise contributes to improved physical health, benefiting the brain and gut, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. It enhances daily activities, mood, energy levels, sleep, and overall quality of life.
2. Increased Strength: Regular strength training, even just half an hour per week, enhances functional fitness. This makes tasks like carrying a heavy bag of textbooks across campus much easier over time.
3. Boosted Confidence: Feeling good physically leads to increased self-confidence. Whether trying out a new class or making friends in the library, regular exercise positively influences self-esteem.
4. Positive Impact on Mental Health: The transition to adulthood can be stressful, and mental health can be particularly vulnerable during college years. Regular movement, whether through frequent gym sessions or morning walks, significantly contributes to better mental health.
5. Elevated Mood: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins and other mood-boosting hormones, providing almost instantaneous rewards. This not only has long-term benefits but also makes you feel better within the first few minutes of a workout.
6. Reduced Stress Levels: Exercise quickly reduces stress levels, a crucial benefit for college students facing various challenges. It’s especially important to maintain a fitness routine during stressful periods like midterms and finals.
7. Increased Stability: Consistent physical activity fosters serenity in various aspects of life. Effective stress management and increased confidence make it easier to handle unexpected challenges, whether it’s a lower-than-expected grade or a change in major.
8. Improved Academic Performance: While the direct link may not have been apparent in high school, physical activity can boost academic performance. Being intentional about incorporating movement into your routine amid other commitments can positively impact your studies