Pumping Up with AJ Sloan: Keeping Gym Motivation Up ALL Year Round

January 6, 2023
AJ SLOAN

It’s the beginning of January and we all know that gyms will inevitably be flooded with those folks who are 100% committed to hitting the gym hard…for about a month. One by one, people get bored, tired, distracted, and discouraged. Staying motivated does not have to be all EAT, PRAY, LOVE. Here is my list of what I consider to be more realistic (and more fun) methods of staying motivated for the gym.

Join the community. Find the gayest gym there is and sign up, buttercup. I have had memberships at so many different unofficial gay gyms in a few different gayborhoods, and the vibe is so much more inviting and motivating than straight bro gyms (and cleaner). Even if you never see half of these guys outside of the gym, there is a sense of queer unity that makes the gym that much less daunting. Also, everyone is showing off their butts and bulges. Be careful, your eyes might get a cavity.

Find a crush. An old friend once shared with me that whenever he goes to the gym he tends to locate the hottest guy (which we all do almost involuntarily) and make his own workouts last as long or longer than said hottie. He reasoned that if he worked out longer than someone whose body he found to be on point, his own body who maintain on point too.

Zone out. Think of it as a form of meditation. I know I do. When I initially began working out, I quickly realized how goddam therapeutic it can be. When I work out, I zone out to my music and zen out to my breathing, quieting my mind from any anxiety-provoking bullsh*t that may be stressing me. And of course, getting your juices flowing has so many health benefits for both the body and the mind.

Use a pre-workout. Although it has been a while since I have used them myself, I still value them for all of the times in the past when they gave me no choice but to hit the gym hard. It’s a bit like popping a smiley-stamped pill: once you take it, you’re in for the ride. You better buckle up and burn off that energy dancing... I mean, exercising. Pre-workout supplements give you that rush of energy that will fuel you through a workout. And for anyone who drinks it and doesn’t go to the gym, hold onto your f*cking hat.

Money. I know that there are people out there who may get off wasting money but for me, it’s a definite boner-killer. What can I say, I’d feel like a godd*mn clown to be paying for something and not use it. Furthermore, use every single last amenity that they have to offer. You paid for the buffet, now eat it ALL up.

I do hope that those of you out there that are new to the gym scene stick to it. You will be happy that you did. Be patient with yourself, you won’t see results overnight. And remember, exercising with regularity is not only great for your physique but also your mind. We are not working out to add days to our lives. We are working out to add life to our days. Happy New Year, everybody.

AJ ❤️‍🔥

Shirts are confusing sometimes #gymselfie of the week ☑️ pic.twitter.com/aC6g8B9NNI

— ✌✨ (@AJSloanXXX) November 17, 2022

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I’m ready for spin class, folks! ‍ pic.twitter.com/MNS1XWknuY

— ✌✨ (@AJSloanXXX) November 14, 2022