I HAVE to workout. I am not one of those people who can maintain their weight with just healthy eating. I can’t maintain my sanity without working out. It makes me HAPPY. But, that doesn’t mean I always feel like doing it. As much as I love working out, there are days when dragging myself to the gym is the very last thing I want to do. But, 9 times out of 10, even on those no-motivation days I still make it to the gym. That’s how progress is made. By showing up even when you don’t feel like it. Instead of just waiting for motivation to strike you have to make it happen and motivate yourself so that fitness becomes a habit. Here are the techniques I use to keep myself following through with my fitness goals even on the days I’d rather spend on the couch.
1. New Playlist
Music is one of my biggest workout motivators. The right playlist can give you that second wind. When you’re feeling blah about the gym, spend some time downloading new tunes, whether it’s upbeat pop, hip hop, or whatever gets your blood pumping.
2. Switch up the Workout
If you’re sick of your usual routine, try something new. Scroll through Pinterest, tear a workout from a fitness magazine or try new equipment. Sometimes it’s the monotony that can ruin your motivation so be sure to switch things up every now and then.
3. 30 Minutes and Done
Make a deal with yourself. You’ll get to the gym and give it thirty minutes and head home. You can do whatever workout you want, but you have to spend at least thirty minutes moving. Once you get started you’ll likely stay longer than thirty minutes, but even if you don’t at least you did something, which is all that counts.
4. A Home Workout/Walk the Dog
If I really don’t want to go to the gym, I’ll often try an at-home workout. I’ll follow along with an old workout DVD (Jillian Michaels is my fave!) or do a full-body bodyweight workout. If the weather is nice, I’ll go for a walk. The point is to just move, it’s not always about burning a ton of calories or hitting a new PR.
5. Preworkout and Drive to the Gym
When the idea of heading to the gym after work seems exhausting I’ll simply think one step ahead. Instead of focusing on how much I’ll need to do I just tell myself to take things one step at a time. First is to drink some pre workout and drive to the gym. Typically just going through the motions will start motivating me because my body will start preparing to workout and then my mind will catch up.
6. Set a Goal
What is your why? What are you working towards at the gym? Do you want to run a 5K, hit a weight loss goal or gain strength? Make a specific goal that you can motivate yourself towards and set a date for that goal. Something like signing up for a 5K or knowing that you’ll be on the beach in a bikini in 10 weeks is enough to get you moving even on the days you don’t feel like it.
7. Try a Class – Invest some $$!
I do not like to waste money. So signing up for a fitness class or training session means I will have to do it, because there’s no way I’m going to put my money towards something and not use it. Are you the same? If so, taking an expensive fitness class or signing up for personal training sessions might be the motivation you need to reach your goals.
8. Ask yourself “Will I regret skipping today?”
This is the question that almost always gets me to the gym busting out a good sweat. Ask yourself if you will regret skipping the gym. Typically, once I consider this question I know that I will regret it if I skip, so then I suck it up and go to the gym. But, there are days when I really am sore or just exhausted and need a rest day. On those days I am able to honestly answer this question with a no and I won’t feel any guilt. It’s a great simple question that keeps me in check.
So tell me, what motivates you to follow through with fitness goals? Do you use any of the same techniques as me? What’s your favorite workout? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
Great tips and ideas.Very helpful information.
Thanks, Nancy! It helps to have these tips in my back pocket on the days when my motivation is lacking. 🙂
I really need tips and motivation because I am so not motivated. ..sigh!
I know how you feel! I always just keep in mind how great I feel after my workout too. It’s not just about appearance it’s good for my overall health and mental health! 🙂
These are great ideas for when I need re-motivation–thanks!
You’re welcome! It’s always handy to keep these in mind after a busy day at work. 🙂
I was feeling unmotivated and then my Doctor told me I was anemic. Since I have gotten some B12 vitamins and shots, I feel much better. I like your tips and I have tried many of them myself.
I do have a hard time getting motivated to exercise. Thanks for the tips.
You’re so welcome, Jennifer! IMHO it’s all about making exercise a habit so that you don’t even have to think twice about making healthier choices.
I should really mix up my playlist from time to time.
Great tips! My motivation is a workout buddy!
The 30 minutes and done is my best one. I even make it 10 minutes (and only once or twice have I stopped there and I prob needed it then). Getting started is half the battle.
Getting motivated is sometimes tough for me. Usually, weighing myself will do it. LOL!
30 minutes and done usually works for me. Generally I’ll do more but sometimes that’s all I have the energy for and will be happy that I made it to the gym at all that day.
I always need help with motivation. Thanks for the tips.
I am in a non-motivated slump right now. So reading this just may be the push I need today. Thanks!
Thank you for the comment! I hope these tips helped.
Thanks for sharing Motivational Tips. Combination of Music and Workout is the great motivators for a workout and especially, Home Workout is the best, I have put a gym inside my home, so whenever I get free time, I use it. Keep posting.
Great Tips!! Very precise & interesting. I think everyone who reads this can totally benefit from it. Thank you for sharing.