Unless you’ve always been someone who loves hitting the gym, chances are that working out isn’t exactly your favorite part of the day.
Some days are easier than others, but once in a while your usually simple workout can feel like an impossible chore.
Fortunately, there are plenty of scientifically-proven ways to make any workout feel easier, even on those days when you can’t even imagine leaving your couch:
- Grab a friend: According to research from Oxford University, people can handle twice as much pain when they exercise with a friend—plus it doubles your endorphins boost!
- Drink coffee: When you’re moments away from falling asleep at your desk, trying to picture yourself heading to the gym after work seems impossible. But a quick cup of coffee can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated enough to take on the rest of the day.
- Eat more beets: Beets contain nitrate, which helps more blood and oxygen invigorate your muscles. In fact, one study from the University of Exter in the UK found that participants who consumed beets roughly two hours before exercising were able to bike or run about 15 to 20 percent longer than usual.
- Look ahead: This isn’t a philosophical statement—seriously, keep your eyes straight ahead. Narrowing your eyes to see only what’s in your path keeps you from wandering your attention away from your workout.
- Drink ice water: An extra cold beverage before a workout can help you feel instantly refreshed, especially if you’re exercising on an unusually hot or humid afternoon.
- Know your peak hours: If you’ve been trying to work out every morning for the last month, but still feel sluggish, don’t fight it. Some people have excellent morning workouts, while others thrive in the afternoon. Know your peak hours and use them to your advantage!
- Add more iron to your diet: Constantly feeling weak and fatigued all day? You might have low iron levels. Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with anemia, iron is an important nutrient that keeps us feeling strong and energetic.
