Chances are that you’ve had you share of days in the gym where you’re just killing it. Tons of energy to burn, motivation at its max, and a fluidity with your movement that’s so satisfying it almost seems easy.

And chances are you’ve also had those days that are the total opposite. You’re slow, got a major case of the blahs, each foot feels like it weighs five hundred pounds, and no personal bests are set.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have more of the former and fewer of the latter? That’s what we’re going to cover today, a few easy things you can do to set yourself up to have a great workout. It’s not an exhaustive list of ways to have a wicked gym day (obviously) but they’re high-impact habits to get started.

1. Come Rested

Getting enough sleep is a cornerstone of health and wellness but at least a third of adults don’t get enough sleep every night. Chronically running on empty is not the way to have a great workout. In fact, the most common reason that people skip a workout is because they feel too tired. Getting enough sleep supports athletic performance, emotional health, cognition, and every other facet of our health. And when you’re training, when we sleep is the ideal recovery time for our bodies.

One more interesting thing. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there’s also a positive feedback loop of sorts in that not only does getting a good night’s sleep prepare you to exercise, but exercising can also help you get a good night’s sleep. Do yourself a favor and shoot for eight hours every night.

2. Listen to Music

Want a totally organic way to hit the turbo button on your athletic performance with zero negative side effects? Listen to music. Whatever gets you moving. Music stimulates the brain in a way that helps us move more efficiently. Some studies even show that listening to music can increase physical output by 15%.

It’s so effective, in fact, that some people say that’s why the U.S.A. Track & Field (USATF) — the governing body for long-distance running and track and field in the United States — banned headphones and music devices for people competing for awards, medals, or prize money.

3. Maintain a Consistent Exercise Schedule

Consistency is key to everything in life, especially physical fitness. Working out one time will probably just make you stiff and sore. Working out regularly, on the other hand, is how you will experience the best results and built momentum that becomes a habit.

Put your exercise time on your schedule and make time for it. Move it from “Oh, I should do that” status in your to a material reality in your life. Set reminders, make an appointment with yourself. You can also up the accountability and make an appointment with a personal trainer or join a class that meets at regular times.

Get a Great Workout With Us at Rhapsody Fitness!

Rhapsody Fitness is raising the bar in fitness in Charleston, South Carolina by creating a positive atmosphere with happy members, awesome coaching, and a top-of-the-line facility where our members come first.

We offer 49 classes and open gym hours 24/7 so there’s nothing but opportunity to get your fitness on. Our group classes are fun and dynamic, and if you want more personal attention, we have specialty training and programs including Personal Training, Sport-Specific Training, Adaptive Training and Corporate Wellness.

Come check us out! Your first class is on us.