My 10 workout golden rules

Just a quick list of the 10 things/thoughts/philosophies that make my workout more enjoyable! The basics of gym etiquette will NOT be covered here, as they are what they are: basic things everyone should do/do not. A new article on gym do’s and don’ts for dummies will follow soon!

1. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES. We all know the struggle of having to lift your yoga pants every 10 seconds, pushing your shirt down, adjusting your bra straps, etc. etc. This is why wearing proper workout clothes is fundamental: one less thing to worry about, and focus better on what you’re doing.
2. SPOTIFY + BLUETOOTH EARPHONES ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS. I can’t workout without music, for me it is soooo helpful to stay focused and ‘go with the flow’. Music help me push for that last rep, or those last 10 seconds of plank, when your abs and shoulders are literally burning…
3. PLAN YOUR WORKOUT WEEK AHEAD OF TIME. Planning ahead will help you manage your time better, and ultimately limiting that voice that says ‘I don’t have time to go’.
4. NO SELF-MADE PROGRAMS, unless you are a professional. Having a custom program made by a professional trainer dramatically changes your motivation, you will know that every exercise, every set, every session is part of of a bigger program, and, more importantly, it will be more effective.
5. THE LATER, THE BETTER. I am a late gym rat: I normally never go before 8 pm. I like to have a lot of space for myself…
6. THE LESS EQUIPMENT, THE BETTER. This explains the point n.5: I prefer working out in the free weight area, as I find machinery quite limiting. I enjoy (and find more effective) exercises involving different muscles. Small example: instead of using the shoulder press, I’ll take a barbell and go for a front barbell shoulder press, standing up.
7. WARM UP WITH A YOGA ROUTINE. I have noticed that I warm up better with a basic yoga routine. Just search for yoga for warming up on youtube and pick the routine that best suits you!
8. STRETCH/LIFT YOUR LEGS AFTERWARDS. I don’t know precisely the benefits for it, but I do feel much better the following day.
9. FOCUS ON PROGRESS, NOT RESULTS. Do not compare yourself to others: we were all beginners. Focus on the progress that you made so far, not on how long you still have to go before reaching your goal. At the end of the day, ask yourself: what did I do to get one step closer to where I want to be? You will appreciate the progress and will be more and more motivated.
10. MOVE YOUR ASS AND GO! Consistency is the key. Even if one day, or week, you really do NOT feel like pushing to the extreme, just go and have a lighter workout. Example: I just finished a big tattoo two days ago, yesterday I had full body workout but it was quite hard for me to move the arm, as my skin was still very tense and super sensitive; instead of cancelling, I trained legs and abs instead.

And you, what are your workout golden rules? Let me know in the comments below!