Having a tough time motivating yourself for a workout?  Maybe a little humour will help get you to the gym.

Image Source:  Instagram user greggmcbride

When you work out at a gym, there are some obvious and maybe not-so-obvious rules every gym-goer must live by in order to not piss anyone off keep the gym community happy.

Image Source:  Kat Borchart

If having to lose weight makes you feel anything but happy, grab a carrot, pretend it's a cookie, and read these funny quotes about weight loss — they might make you feel better.

Image Source:  Instagram user greggmcbride

Signing up for a race is half the battle.  The other half is surviving it.  Anyone who has completed a 5K, 10K, 15K, half, or full marathon can relate to this.

Image Source:  Kat Borchart

• I should sign up for a race.  All those people look so happy and empowered!  I want to be happy and empowered!
• OK, time to register.  Eighty dollars?!  You have to pay to run!?  This better be good.
• It's gonna be good.  I'll be so healthy and inspired.

  

  Image Source:  ABC

• Alright, race day is tomorrow, I better carbo load.  I think that means I can have pasta AND pizza.  That's what runners do, right?
• Oh my gosh I love carbs.  I should sign up for more races!
• Gosh, I have to get up early.  Why do these things start so early?  Are all runners morning people?  Are they like a secret society of superhumans who get up early and exercise?
• What do I even eat for breakfast?  Is yogurt OK?  HOW DO I DO THIS?
• Oh crap, I'm gonna be late.  Maybe I shouldn't go ...
• Wait, I have to go, I paid $80.  I'm going.  My friends are waiting for me.
• Maybe I should tell them I'm sick.  I suddenly got running pneumonia, a rare strain that only acts up when you run.
• UGH OK FINE I'M OUT THE DOOR.
• Wow, there are so many people at this race.  Everyone has some kind of vintage race shirt on, is everyone here a superathlete?  There's so much Lululemon here.
• OMG it's starting.  OK.  Pace yourself.  Here goes nothing.

  

  Image Source:  Giphy

• How many miles are left?  Still 13?  OK.  It's OK.  I can do this.
• Wait ... are these little kids here just to cheer me on?  OMG THEY HAVE WATER.  Yes.  I love water.  I need that.
• These people aren't actually racing, right?  Like, for first place?  Nah ...
• Wait, what if there is a first place and people are actually trying to win?
• Oh my gosh am I going to be in LAST PLACE?

  

  Image Source:  Universal

• Is there a reward for winning?
• Well, that's not happening for me today or ever, so whatever.
• I'm so surprised I don't have to pee yet.  Am I sweating out my fluids?  Ew.
• OK, there's no way I can finish this.  How do I pretend I finished so I can post a good Instagram?
• Wait where are the water kids?  Are they coming back?  Do their parents drive them to a new location?
• PRAISE THE LORD THE WATER KIDS ARE BACK!

  

  Image Source:  CBS

• Alright, so I was told that this was a flat and downhill run, but now I think I was lied to.  WHY ARE THERE HILLS?
• Nature is pretty cool!
• But seriously, is this a hike or a run?
• Are those ... ORANGE SLICES?  Oh my gosh bless you, small children.  This is truly nectar of the gods.
• Why didn't I make a better playlist?!?  THESE SONGS ARE NOT GETTING ME THROUGH THESE MILES.
• My lungs hurt.  And my feet.  And my legs.  And my sides.  Why did I do this?!
• Is there an option to end sooner?  I've run the equivalent of a 15K, that counts.  I'm gonna stop now.
• OK fine, I'll keep going.  I heard there's Champagne at the finish line.

  

  Image Source:  ABC

• In through the nose, out through the mouth.  Just.  Keep.  Breathing.
• I can't believe I haven't puked yet ... this is kind of amazing.  MY BODY IS INCREDIBLE.
• Wait ... there's only a mile left ... !
• What if my lungs give out like right before the finish line and someone gets a photo of me dying before I even finish the race?  That would be SO embarrassing.

  

  Image Source:  Giphy

• Is it lame to walk through the finish line?  OK, maybe.  Just ... keep ... jogging ... slowly ...
• OMG THE FINISH LINE.  I AM QUEEN OF RUNNING AND THE UNIVERSE

  

  Image Source:  Summit

• Why are my legs still moving?  The race is over!  I can't stop my legs from moving where can I lie down and die.
• Wait OMG chocolate milk and bananas?!  Feast of kings at my fingertips!  What a cornucopia of blessings!  Yes I'll have a water bottle!
• OK, now I'm ready to nap for 85 years.  And mayyyybe sign up for another one of these races, now that I'm a legendary race machine.

  

  Image Source:  Giphy

Gym culture can be tricky to figure out.  Have you noticed that people seem dressed to impress but no one actually talks to each other?  Or some people seem to be there only to socialise, and you're not sure if you've ever seen them pick up a weight?  It can all feel very junior high and very intimidating.  Never fear, we've assembled a tutorial, illustrated with eight Mean Girls GIFs — of course — to break down how to get a seat at the proverbial cool kids' table, or rather a foot on their treadmill.

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures

Say hello!

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures

"Hello" is always the perfect opener.  We recommend saying it in English, but whatever language you speak, a smile, a wave, and a quick hello is always a perfect first step in letting those familiar faces at the gym know that you'd totally let them sit with you.

Give a compliment.

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures

lf the social scene at your gym is especially intimidating, just think of it as providing ample opportunity to pay a compliment.  After all, those perfectly toned bodies and perfectly curated lululemon outfits aren't going to compliment themselves.

Wear a conversation-starter.

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures

From motivational to funny to straight-up chic, gym fashion has never been as conversation-worthy as it is today.  If you're having trouble making the first move, maybe a statement tee and some bedazzled headphones will give your girl-crush the opportunity to do it for you.

Check your own attitude.

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures

Feeling particularly disenfranchised by the Mean Girls at your gym?  Don't result to judging them on their looks or jumping to conclusions about their character.  The truth is that they're probably equally intimidated by you.

Offer some help if necessary.

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures

We've all been there — new to the gym, not sure where the resistance bands are or what the rules are for sharing the free weights.  If you see someone with that deer-in-the-headlights look in her eyes, do her a solid.  Ask her what she's looking for, point her in the right direction, and let her know that you've been there, too.  If she needs to know what the date is, you can help her out with that too.

Find common ground in your gym goals.

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures

Notice that you're always fighting over the same equipment with the same girls?  Chances are that's because you have similar goals for your workout.  So call it out ("Anything for those six-pack abs, right?").  Who knows?  She just might become your new workout buddy.

Be bold and invite your gym girl-crush for a post-workout smoothie.  Or nachos.

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures

If you have been exchanging niceties for a while, have perfected your "I love that tank top," "No I love your tank top" routine, and seem to be hitting it off, go out on a limb and see if she wants to take things to the next level — life beyond the gym.

When all else fails, don't let the haters stop you from doin' your thang.

Image Source:  Paramount Pictures