A mum who transformed her lifestyle from sedentary to exercising six times a week has shared the secret behind her new-found dedication.
Lots of us may have been trying to establish a more healthy routine in the new year. But as time goes on, we can find ourselves struggling to keep up our New Year’s Resolutions. Regardless of what we hoped to achieve on January 1, maintaining that commitment can become increasingly challenging.
For those finding their gym motivation waning, one woman’s tip might help. TikToker Sammy Jo shared she was able to drastically change her routine when she changed the way she viewed exercising.
“You have to change your mindset,” she insisted. Remembering a night out with friends, she recounted: “One time I went out with some friends to a concert, we were all partying kind of late. When they were dropping me off, they were like, ‘Are you going to go work out tomorrow? ‘ and I said, ‘Yeah.’
“And they go, ‘I can’t believe you’re gonna go work out, like how are you going to want to do that? ‘ and I said it’s not that I want to, it’s that I have to. It’s not a choice.”
She insisted it was crucial to “change in your brain” and that she no longer saw exercising daily as a decision she needed to make. “It’s your job,” she continued. “Do I wake up in the morning and think, ‘I don’t wanna go to work’ sometimes? Sure. Do I still go? Absolutely, because it’s my job. I can’t not go.”
Sammy Jo also claimed the “only difference” between a job and working out is the “form of payment,” “When you go to a job, you get paid in currency,” she said. “When you work out, you get paid in a life full of mobility, freedom to go where you want, when you want… I could go on and on the list of health benefits for working out.”
Despite having two children, working two jobs, and maintaining numerous hobbies, she ensures that she works out six times a week. To accommodate her workout routine, she wakes up at 4.30am every day.
Many people thanked Sammy for sharing her advice in the comments section. One person wrote: “Treat it like your medication you wouldn’t skip your medication […] start with at least just being outside.”
Another added: “I needed that today!” while a third agreed: “I’m right there with you! So great to hear someone else with the same mindset.”
If you’re starting a new exercise routine, it’s important to start slowly and build up strength and endurance to avoid injury. The NHS recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity.
Exercise should be spread evenly over four to five days a week, or can be done daily if preferred. Strengthening exercises should be done on at least two days a week, and time spent sitting or lying down should be reduced, breaking up long periods of inactivity.