If you have an office job and have to work from 9 am to 5 pm like me, you don't have much choice when it comes to choosing a suitable time for your workouts. You're pretty much stuck having to workout in the late evenings. And if you're like most people, you would eventually come to feel that you're just too tired for exercise.

I too, have an office job which only allows me to hit the weights at the gym after 7 pm. And even then, its normally 8 pm before I get changed and am able to start training. So, it is understandable that the comfy sofa at home may be calling you - but if this is the only time you have to exercise, there are some tips that should help you overcome this.

I've tried it all.. from coffee shots to caffeine tablets to pick me up on my sluggish days previously.. and yes, they work - but you shouldnt have to resort to all these kinda stuff if you ask me. I'm just a bit hardcore and willing to try crazy things. I don't do that anymore.

Make sure you are eating and drinking adequately throughout the day. Dehydration and lack of 'fuel' will make you feel sluggish and decrease your motivation to work out. Especially when you tend to avoid rice and other sorts of carbohydrates - your energy levels could really drop and it would only end up being counter-productive at the end. Don't overdo your diets! Always eat sufficient carbs, protein and healthy fats!

And if you aren't already doing so - eat something about every 3 - 4 hours to keep energy levels up and to avoid crashing by the end of the day. Don't forget that each meal MUST include some protein and carbohydrates - which means a glass of Milo or Ribena won't do. Think tuna sandwich, oatmeal + protein shake, etc.

A small pre-workout snack before your workout is very important. It's a bad idea to work out if your last meal was 6 hours ago. Your energy levels would be low and you wouldnt be able to give 100% towards your workout.

Ensure you're getting enough sleep at nights. Most people need seven to nine hours of sleep a night to avoid the afternoon crappy feeling.

Always drive directly to the gym! Don't stop at home first for a quick break, or make a stop at the fast food drive-thru. It is so much easier to give in to laziness when you're already at home and its going to take more effort to leave your home again.

Get a workout partner (even more fun if they're from the opposite sex and hot). Perhaps a colleague? This way, you're accountable to eachother to a certain extent and will try harder to make sure you make it to the gym! Plus, if you're a typical guy.. you will WANT to workout with your training partner.

There you go. Its almost 7.30pm already.. and I'm just leaving the office myself.

Am I feeling sluggish? No.
Am I demotivated? No.
Am I ready to train like an animal? Hell yeah!