SELF

The 7:30 standing date.

Why the best workout plan is a friend who is expecting you.

The 7:30 standing date.

Motivation is unreliable. A friend waiting for you at 7:30 is not. That is the whole secret of the women who seem to exercise effortlessly: they made it a date.

Pick a time and keep it

Same days, same time, same place. After a few weeks it stops being a decision and becomes part of the week, like Tuesday book club or Sunday lunch.

Choose something you both enjoy

Pilates, a spin class, a brisk walk around the lake, tennis. The best exercise is the one you will still be doing next year, and a friend makes almost anything more fun.

Keep a bag by the door

Water bottle filled, mat rolled, shoes inside. The fewer steps between waking up and walking out, the easier it is to go.

Linger afterwards

Coffee after class is not cheating. It is half the reason to go.

WORTH A LOOK

The short list

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle

Sip or swig, leakproof in a gym bag, and it keeps water cold all morning.

See it on Amazon →

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

Dense, steady and made to last for decades: the last mat you buy.

See it on Amazon →

Theragun Mini

Five minutes on tired shoulders after the 7:30 class, and small enough for a carry-on.

See it on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links marked “See it on Amazon” are affiliate links; prices are set by Amazon and may change.

KEEP READING

More from TaylorMac