Some days, you may love your workout and feel fantastic afterwards because you totally killed it. Some days, you just aren’t feeling it and may wonder why you even bothered. There’s no way to guarantee a successful workout but there are some things you can do to increase the odds!

Keys to a good workout:

1- a routine

When and where will you workout? What days of the week, and what time? Make a plan and write it on your calendar. Your workouts are just as important as any other appointment you make for your health!

2- a plan

Don’t head to the gym or even to your living room before planning what you’ll do when you get there. Without a plan, you’ll waste time trying to decide what to do. You may also end up getting frustrated or lazy and doing less than if you plan ahead. Whether you work with a trainer or create your own workouts, bring it with you in a notebook or on your smartphone.

3- appropriate clothing

Depending upon the weather and the activity, you’re going to need specific types of clothing and/or footwear. When your shirt falls over your head every time you do a down dog in yoga class, it gets annoying. Shorts that are great for running may have a pocket in back of the waistband that gets uncomfortable if you’re doing sit-ups. Some pants aren’t squat-friendly. If you battle blisters when lifting weights, you may benefit from workout gloves.

Also consider weather when choosing workout wear, and opt for breathable fabrics no matter the temperature, and layers if it’s chilly.

4- water

No matter what kind of workout you’re doing, you need to hydrate! Bring water with your and plan your food timing so that you don’t feel faint from not eating or nauseated because you ate too much or too recently.

5- music

Figure out what you like best when working out: music, a good audio book or podcast, or maybe even silence? Consider a set of wireless headphones so you can run or lift without getting tangled.

Now, go get your workout groove on!