Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
People swear by these 20 easy fitness hacks
Africa Studio/Shutterstock

People swear by these 20 easy fitness hacks

Working out isn't always easy, but these 20 tips work for others. They just might work for you, too. 

 
1 of 20

Lay your gym clothes out the night before

Lay your gym clothes out the night before
Shutterstock

Sometimes, the hardest part of a workout is getting ready for it. Take the thought out of preparation the morning of by getting everything ready the night before. If you’re not wearing spandex to the gym, you might even be able to sleep in your workout clothes.

 
2 of 20

Strap on ankle weights

Strap on ankle weights
Shutterstock

If you want to increase your workout difficulty, utilize ankle weights. They’re not suitable for every workout, but if you’re walking on the treadmill or doing pilates, ankle weights can increase intensity and give you more resistance. 

 
3 of 20

Choose a workout plan

Choose a workout plan
Shutterstock

Personal trainers exist for a reason. Not everyone knows how to choose the right workout for their fitness goals, especially every day, so let someone else plan for you by selecting a weeks- or months-long workout plan. All you have to do is show up and follow instructions. 

 
4 of 20

Pair your workout with a reward

Pair your workout with a reward
Shutterstock

Working out shouldn’t feel like a punishment that deserves a reward for completing it, but if it does, go ahead and give yourself that reward. Whether it’s getting a coffee from a stand near your gym or just spending 10 minutes on the floor before getting up after your workout, treat yourself. 

 
5 of 20

Work out while you watch TV

Work out while you watch TV
Shutterstock

If you have appointment TV but still need to work out, do both simultaneously. Watching a program you like will make your workout go by faster, and it’s a great way to time specific exercises. Whatever it takes to be just a little healthier. 

 
6 of 20

Find a workout buddy

Find a workout buddy
Shutterstock

Having someone to hold you accountable is the oldest trick in the book. It might not even sound like a fitness hack, but it works. Whether you’re working out together via Zoom or meeting up to go for a run, having a buddy makes working out more fun and ensures you get it done. 

 
7 of 20

Pay for a class ahead of time

Pay for a class ahead of time
Shutterstock

Exercise classes are expensive, and not wanting to waste money can motivate you to get your workout in. Rather than waiting to pay until you arrive at the studio, pay online ahead of time if possible so the class is set in your schedule, and you have fewer reasons to bail. 

 
8 of 20

Find something you actually like to do

Find something you actually like to do
Shutterstock

Again, this isn’t groundbreaking information, but it bears repeating. If you hate the movement you’re doing when you’re working out, you won’t want to continue. Exercise comes in many forms, so find something you enjoy to make sure you stick to it. 

 
9 of 20

Buy cute workout clothes

Buy cute workout clothes
Shutterstock

A good outfit can inspire you to get even the worst tasks done. If all it takes to fit in a workout is wearing exercise clothes you like, buy the cutest options you can. And if you need to wear a full face of makeup to the gym, do that. What’s important is that you’re going. 

 
10 of 20

Keep your equipment in your car

Keep your equipment in your car
Shutterstock

If you’re frequently on the go, make sure you have what you need for a workout on hand. Keep shoes, a yoga mat, an extra pair of socks, and anything else you might need at a moment’s notice in a bag in your car so that you’re always prepared to fit in a workout. 

 
11 of 20

Pair your workout with something you hate

Pair your workout with something you hate
Shutterstock

This sounds odd, but it works for a lot of people. If you have to watch a training video for work or complete an errand you’ve been putting off for weeks, get your workout in simultaneously. You can watch what you need to watch while on the treadmill and walk or run to finish your errand. Then, your workout and your agonizing task are both complete. 

 
12 of 20

Work out to your favorite songs

Work out to your favorite songs
Shutterstock

Like watching television while working out, songs make great natural timers for workouts. Doing an exercise you hate will be much more bearable if you’re listening to a song you love, making it seem like time is going by faster. 

 
13 of 20

Utilize resistance bands

Utilize resistance bands
Shutterstock

Bands are another great tool to make your workout a bit more difficult. Resistance bands can go around your arms, legs, or waist, leaving you feeling sore and accomplished. Like ankle weights, they don’t work for every move, but they’re wonderful when used correctly. 

 
14 of 20

Use household items as workout equipment

Use household items as workout equipment
Shutterstock

One of the biggest barriers to exercise is cost. A fancy home gym can run you thousands, as can classes and gym memberships. Cut those costs by using household items instead. Books can be used for weights. Towels can be used for yoga mats. Get creative. 

 
15 of 20

Wear your gym clothes all day

Wear your gym clothes all day
Shutterstock

If you don’t have time to work out until the end of the day and fear you won’t want to fit it in by the time you finish the rest of your tasks, wear your gym clothes (if appropriate) all day. If you work from home or are running errands, do it in your gym clothes. It’s one less thing you have to do when it’s time to work out.

 
16 of 20

Put your workout on your to-do list

Put your workout on your to-do list
Shutterstock

If you live and die by your to-do list or love the satisfaction of crossing something off your list, put your workout on your to-do list. This will make you much more likely to actually work out, and you’ll feel even better when you get it done. 

 
17 of 20

Split your workout

Split your workout
Shutterstock

Splitting your workout can come in different forms. It can be two or three 10-minute workouts in succession to focus on different parts of your body, or it can be a 20-minute HIIT workout early in the day and a 20-minute walk late in the day. Splitting things up can make the task more manageable. 

 
18 of 20

Try compound movements

Try compound movements
Shutterstock

Work smarter while working harder by completing a workout of compound movements. These will work more areas of the body at once, so you’ll be engaging more muscles. 

 
19 of 20

Drink pre-workout

Drink pre-workout
Shutterstock

Again, this tip might not sound like a hack, but loads of people sing the praises of pre-workout mixes. Drinking pre-workout can give you energy and result in a better workout. If it works for you, do it. 

 
20 of 20

Carve out a gym space in your home

Carve out a gym space in your home
Shutterstock

Finding a place to work out at home can be difficult, but if you designate even a little area for working out, it can make a world of difference. Keep your equipment there and tell yourself you’re going to the gym whenever you’re fitting in a home workout. 

Acacia Deadrick

Acacia Deadrick is a South Dakota-based writer who has written for sites such as Nicki Swift, The List, and Glam. She loves music and all things pop culture, and she can be found watching TV, completing a crossword puzzle, or reading in her spare time. 

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Shane Steichen dropped a big hint about the Colts’ QB battle
NFL

Shane Steichen dropped a big hint about the Colts’ QB battle

The Indianapolis Colts have yet to name their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, but coach Shane Steichen may have dropped a big hint about who the choice may be. Steichen said Saturday that he was close to making a decision between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson in the ongoing camp battle. He may have tipped his hand, however, when answering a question about what traits he was looking for in his starter. “I think it’s the most consistent guy,” Steichen said, via Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. “I really do, because at the end of the day, you’ve got to be able to move the football consistently up and down the field, and making good decisions. You know what I mean? I mean, at the end of the day, you can have splash plays, but if you’re doing that sparingly and up and down. … I think it’s got to be on a consistent basis, to get to where we want to go.” The knock on Richardson all along has been his inconsistency, and it is a bad sign for his prospects that Steichen put such an emphasis on that as part of his answer. Richardson’s physical talents are undeniable, but his decision-making has left something to be desired, and the offense has at times stalled out with him at the helm of it. Jones does not bring Richardson’s big-play potential, but would likely leave the Colts with a better idea of what they will get every Sunday. Richardson has put in extra work to try to win the job, but has been sidelined for a large part of the offseason with a shoulder injury, coupled with a dislocated pinky suffered during the preseason opener. It has also been suggested that Jones entered camp as the favorite, so Richardson had to play well enough to supplant him. Jones started Saturday’s preseason game and went 7-of-11 for 101 yards. Richardson went 6-of-11 for 73 yards, but he had one big play negated due to a penalty. The Colts ultimately lost 23-19 to the Green Bay Packers.

Proposed Arena Deal Puts Brady Tkachuk in Different Jersey
NHL

Proposed Arena Deal Puts Brady Tkachuk in Different Jersey

The Ottawa Senators’ long-awaited push to move downtown has revived more than just arena talk—it has also sparked speculation about the future of captain Brady Tkachuk. On episode 400 of the DFO Rundown podcast, NHL analyst Jason Gregor suggested that the timeline for the Senators’ new home at LeBreton Flats may not line up with Tkachuk’s contract, potentially influencing whether he stays in Ottawa. Tkachuk’s deal, an eight-year, $57.56 million pact signed in 2021, runs through 2028. By then, the Senators’ proposed arena—still facing construction and approval hurdles—might only just be opening. According to reports from the Ottawa Citizen, the building is expected to take at least two years to complete once the land is ready. That mismatch in timing could prove crucial. “Is that building done in three years? Probably not,” Gregor said. “So I’m going to actually sell [on him staying]. By the time that building is done, he’ll have moved on. I get a sense that he might be going to the USA.” Which Team Would Brady Tkachuk Join? It’s key to point out that Brady has never said he has intentions on leaving Ottawa. He’s excited about the upcoming season and working with the team to get better and become a legitimate playoff contender. His contract also includes a full no-move clause. It’s the control over any trade scenario he has that makes this interesting. In the past, he’s been loosely linked to the New York Rangers. In December, “The Post’s Larry Brooks reports the Blueshirts have been in trade talks with multiple teams — with Senators forward Brady Tkachuk their primary target.” The article added, “The 25-year-old Ottawa captain would bring a jolt to the lifeless Rangers lineup and in multiple ways.” Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen later ruled out there being any truth to the speculation. Of course, there is also the Florida Panthers, where Brady’s brother Matthew plays. Matthew loves Florida and is signed until 2030. Could bringing in the younger brother be one of the things that gets both players to sign team-friendly deals and extensions? The Senators have made it clear that Tkachuk remains central to their long-term plans, but without a finished arena to market as a franchise reset, Gregor wonders if Ottawa could face a challenge convincing its captain to stick around for the next chapter.

Chicago Bears: A running back trade has just opened up
NFL

Chicago Bears: A running back trade has just opened up

Forget trading the house and buying high for an aging Trey Hendrickson; the Chicago Bears have another player to think about getting in on before the regular season. On offense, the Bears have everything they need besides a left tackle and running back depth. Most of the focus in training camp has been on quarterback Caleb Williams and the passing game, but Chicago had a known weakness at running back entering the offseason. The Chicago Bears have a potential trade target Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Washington Commanders are shopping running back Brian Robinson Jr. in the preseason. “Sources: The Commanders have been shopping RB Brian Robinson Jr. to teams around the NFL,” Schultz wrote. “The former 3rd-round pick out of Alabama is entering the final year of his contract.” During his first three seasons in the league, Robinson has rushed 570 times for 2,329 yards (4.1 yards per rush) and 15 touchdowns. He’s helpful as a receiver out of the backfield, recording 65 receptions for 587 yards, and five touchdowns. Robinson would be a helpful addition to a Bears offense that struggled with the run last season, finishing 25th in rushing in D’Andre Swift’s first season in Chicago. The lack of production had many hoping the Bears would land Ashton Jeanty, but they were way too far back in the draft. Behind Swift, the Bears have Roschon Johnson and seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai.

Steelers' Rookie Defender Receives Strong Stamp Of Approval Following 2nd Preseason Game
NFL

Steelers' Rookie Defender Receives Strong Stamp Of Approval Following 2nd Preseason Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finding out a lot about their young players in the 2025 preseason, but there may be nobody who has surprised as much as rookie defensive end Yahya Black. A fifth-round pick out of Iowa, Black was touted as a stout, plugging run defender with not much else to offer. Through two preseason games, he's poised to prove everyone wrong. Black gained some notoriety in 2025 training camp from batting down passes at the line of scrimmage, something he likely learned from veteran defensive end Cameron Heyward. In his first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, his presence didn't go unnoticed among NFL analysts. While rushing the passer was supposed to be a weakness, Black hasn't shown it so far. Pro Football Focus gave him a pass rush grade of 82.3 in Week 1, logging a pressure, a hurry, and two tackles on only 11 total snaps. In addition, he had a respectable run defense grade of 72.6. Black was PFF's fourth highest graded rookie interior defensive lineman in Week 1 of the preseason. Playing only seven pass-rush snaps, he had an impressive 42.9% pass rush win rate. Brian Baldinger and PFF aren't the only ones taking notice of Black. Bob Labriola of the Steelers' official website, in his recent asked and answered segment, wrote that he believes that Black won't only make the roster, but will be a regular in the defensive line rotation. "With training camp and 1 preseason game under his belt, I believe Yayha Black is on the path to showing enough to be a part of the regular season gameday rotation along the defensive line." Those are certainly strong words towards day three draft pick, but they definitely aren't unwarranted. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin also had some encouraging remarks for the young lineman following the 2025 NFL Draft, comparing him to a Ford F-350. In a limited sample size, and coming off of a good camp, Black has proven that his supposed weaknesses may have been misguided, and that there's more to him than early scouting reports suggested. There's no longer a question of whether he will make the team, and now the focus moves onto how much he will contribute right away in a crowded defensive line room. If Black can continue to show some pass rush versatility in addition to his already promising run defense, it'll be hard to keep him off of the field. Steelers' Yahya Black Is Dealing With A Concerning Arm Injury While Black got off to an explosive start in his first preseason game, things quieted down on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At least part of his disappearance in Week 2 can be attributed to an arm injury that Black suffered between the two games, prompting him to wear an arm brace that undoubtedly limited mobility. Black's PFF grade in game 2 plummeted to 54.3, with only a 50.5 pass rush grade. These grades are reflected in the box score, where Black played over double the snaps from the previous week and failed to record a single stat. Nonetheless, Black is looking to build on his promising start in the final week of the 2025 preseason, when the Steelers travel to Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers. Will Black continue to build on his promising first performance, over a week removed from injury, and make his case for the starting defensive line rotation? The Steelers certainly hope so.