Sometimes I hate going to the gym. I get there and have no idea what machine I should be using and for how long. Then after figuring out what to do, I often feel like I have accomplished nothing. I don’t know about other people, but actually getting to the gym is hard enough, so I wanted to find a way to have a meaningful gym workout that was easy to follow.

After a few searches online, some talks with friends, and even a session with a personal trainer at the gym, I finally combined a routine that works. My gym workouts have actually proven successful for me. First off I start every workout with at least 20 minutes of cardio. On a good day I can maybe get in 40 minutes, but I tell myself I have to do at least 20. I like riding the stationary bike, because it makes it easier to read a book while exercising, because for me gym workouts equal time to catch up on news and the book I am reading. Then I move on to light weight training. This is where the variety comes in. Each day should alternate different muscles, so one day I work the upper body, and the next day I work the lower body. I started off doing just three reps of 8, but now I can do much more. The thing I like about alternating upper and lower body is, I don’t feel like I have over worked any area. Finally, the gym workout should end with some light stretching and meditation. Believe it or not, stretching helps you improve in cardio and weight lifting too!

By following this routing, gym workouts actually see manageable and fun. For the first time in my life, I have actually enjoyed going to the gym, and for me to say that, it means a lot.