Let’s be honest. Working out daily is hard work. We all get those days when we can’t seem to muster the energy, or motivation for that matter, to put on our sneakers and exercise.

And it’s usually a host of factors (or excuses) which are typically responsible… work, school or personal matters to name a few but whatever it is, we find ourselves trying to rationalize why we should skip our workout.

The truth is, simple adjustments in lifestyle and attitude can help you get going even through the most trying days when you just want to curl up on the couch in front of the TV.

5 ways to maintain a healthy workout routine

1. GET ENOUGH SLEEP

If you feel sluggish throughout the day or feel you haven’t recovered sufficiently from the last workout, it could mean that you didn’t get enough sleep the night before.

Studies show that you should get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Avoid caffeine before bedtime, shut off your mobile phone and practice deep breathing techniques to ensure good quality deep sleep every night.

Getting a good night’s rest will help you recover and feel more energized for next day’s workout. This one’s a no-brainer but often gets overlooked because of our busy lifestyles.

2. EAT HEALTHY

The primary function of food is to give you energy in the form of calories. If you don’t eat enough, you won’t have the energy to fuel your workouts. Eat too much and you may feel sluggish.

Choose clean sources of carbohydrates that provide long- lasting energy. These are complex carbohydrates that have fiber such as oatmeal, wild rice and sweet potatoes. Pair your carbohydrate with lean protein like roasted chicken breast, baked fish or grilled sirloin steak.

Protein has amino acids which enhance the recovery of muscle tissue.