I don’t have time for it! I don’t have the energy! The weather isn’t too conducive! And the excuses can go on and on. Yet, we all know that we need to workout for the better of our minds, body and soul. But, getting up, putting on workout clothes and actually doing it is another thing that is sometimes hard to do. So, what can you do to find that motivation to exercise when it is running low? Here are 10 tricks to try.
Have a goal in mind and track it
Most of us exercise because others are doing it and we are seeing the results in their great bodies and good health. However, working out because of external factors can only last too long. But, having a personal goal in mind is a good way to stay consistent. Define your reasons for working out and give yourself a timeline. For instance, if you want to lose weight, you can decide how many kilos you want to lose and in which duration. Track your weight weekly or bi-weekly to see the progress. Little improvements are great at keeping you going for more.
Keep a journal
Exercise makes you feel great about yourself, boosts energy and moods, makes you sleep better and so much more. Reminding yourself what exercise makes you feel could be all you need to keep going. Make it a habit to jot down how you feel after every workout session. You can use a workout app to record the awesome feelings that you have experienced. When you need motivation, go back to the journal, and you can be sure to find a good reason to exercise.
Plan for it
Is lack of time your excuse for not working out? Well, deliberately put it on your calendar. If you have a schedule for it, you really don’t have a reason to skip it. Take the planning a notch higher by planning for all the exercises that you are going to incorporate in your scheduled time for each day of the week. This way, you don’t get to use the excuse of not knowing what to do in order to skip the session.
Put on your workout clothes
It would be very hard to lazy around on the couch with your workout clothes on. Something is going to urge you to get up and get going. Just find clothes that are comfortable, make you feel good and in your favorite color and just get dressed. If you always hit the gym after work, changing to your gym clothes before you leave the office can be a great motivation to head to the gym rather than drive home.
Invest in all workout equipment that you need
Not having all the items that you need for your workout can also be a good reason to skip your session. It can also be the same if you don’t have the space for it. For these reasons, make it a point to invest in everything that you need for your home workout. It is important that you are comfortable if you are to enjoy your sessions and have a reason to look forward to the next one. Create a space for it and make it comfortable. A gym mat is a great choice in providing protection against injuries and a safe footing during exercise. Purchase items such as dumbbells, stationary bikes and every other item that you find fit for your home gym.
Include a variety
Doing the same exercises or following the same routine can get boring. It actually could be a reason why you are unmotivated to exercise. Try mixing up different exercises in your week. One day you can go to the gym, the next one you can ride a bike or run and hike a nature trail over the weekend. When it gets boring, pick something fun that will make you excited and look forward to it. Think outside the box with exercises such as going old school with using a pogo stick to get your heart rate up.
Have an accountability partner
Most people tend to perform better when they have to report to someone. The same trick can work with exercising. When you have people that you are accountable to, you will put in the effort so that you have something to show the next time they ask. You can make your friends or family your accountability partners. To make things interesting, you can post it on social media and keep posting your progress. If you stay long without posting, you can be sure that your followers will ask for it.
Do it with a friend or two
When you have your friend waiting for you at the gym or to go for a hike, you have to come up with a really good reason why you can’t make it. You can bet that it is easier to go than start finding excuses. What’s more, working out as a group can be exciting and you can do a lot.
Join a cause/challenge
During a period when you are really struggling to workout, joining a cause or participating in online fitness challenges give you some good reasons to get active. Find a cause that is close to your heart, sign up and pay the entry fee. That way, you commit yourself to follow through to the end. You can also join fitness groups on social media and take part in challenges that often come up. Take videos of your progress so that you have something to show off when others are posting.
Stick workout quotes everywhere
This works more like a journal in reminding yourself about the benefits of exercising. When you are feeling lazy, bumping into a positive quote about working out on the bathroom mirror is enough to give your mind a boost and get your excitement rising. Find a few of them and post them in strategic places in your home or office.
Conclusion
Motivation to get up and exercise isn’t really hard to come by going by the 10 tips listed above. But, ultimately, the biggest motivation lies in understanding the benefits that exercise offers in life. It is very important that you lead a healthy life regardless of what is going on in your life. This should motivate you to deliberately find time and the energy for it.
