Tips on Motivating Yourself to Work Out
The hardest part of anything in life, especially working out, is definitely starting. And this doesn’t refer to the first workout of the day, oh no. It refers to firstly deciding to work out, secondly setting your gym alarm, and finally packing your gym gear and stepping outside with that gym bag on your back, actually walking or driving straight to the gym and entering it. But sometimes even the best intensions simply cannot do the trick.
The sad and harsh truth is that there is no way you will love that sweat in your just-washed hair, and there is no way you will enjoy the pain of your muscle fibers “tearing” while you are doing some harder exercises. You will probably hate the smell and the noise in the gym, along with many other things, but you will definitely LOVE that after-workout feeling. You will definitely love seeing those inches of fat going away, and you will DEFINITELY love the looks on people’s faces when you are all dressed up!
So will you regret hitting that snooze button on your phone? You definitely will. But if you still need some motivation and persuasion, check out these tips listed below.
“Hire” one of your buddies
This is probably the best form of motivation because there are just so many possibilities. We all know about the common BFF syndrome, when we sit with our best friend in the middle of the night and cry over muffin tops while scrolling through photos of some gorgeous fitness model.
And how about you two lazy bugs get up and do some work, together? There is always one that wants it more, and this way you two will push each other when one of you “has no time” or “is too tired”. Make your best buddy your gym buddy.
Social media can help
That Instagram fitness model that made you and your BFF cry can actually be your biggest inspiration. No one was born with killer abs and a peachy bum. They all had to work for it, and if they could, you can as well. And besides drooling at their flexed selfies, you can do a little bit more of stalking and maybe find their nutrition or exercise tips and secrets. Many of them also sell online coaching services, so you can check that out as well.
Have in mind that gym is not the only place for you
Maybe you simply cannot deal with all the noise, the smell and the looks. Maybe the gym is too far away from your home. With the right, high quality fitness equipment, you can turn a room in your home in your own private fitness center, where you can dress however you like, play the music you enjoy, do your exercises in peace and be completely free. It may be a little bit pricier than gym membership, but it is a worthy investment.
The right gear
Nobody feels like a gym beast while working out in an old, stained T-shirt with moth holes. You should treat yourself with some quality workout clothes that will both improve the quality of your movement and regulate the sweat, while making you look and feel like a million bucks. In other words, hop to your local sports shop and equip yourself with some quality gym shoes, cool printed leggings and workout tees and tank tops with motivational prints on them.
Keep track
By maintaining a workout schedule or a gym diary, you will both be more focused on your goals and have complete control over your progress. It is quite motivating to see how far you’ve come – especially when the times get tough. This is what will both keep you motivated and help you remember why you started in the first place.
Reward yourself
We are all different, and maybe things like better health and weight control still aren’t good enough for you – and that is fine. Instead, maybe you are into more ‘tangible’ rewards, such as having that perfect and delicious “only allowed after an hour at the gym” smoothie or watching a new episode of your favorite show after gym. By giving yourself those tiny gifts, you will create a neurological habit loop which will increase chances of turning this routine into habit you will love.
Do you have some more tips you would like to share? Feel free to comment.
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I loved reading this post on how to motivate yourself to start your work out. I will take these advice to heart. Thanks for doing this post.
I really needed this right now- i think i am going to see about a social media group maybe for working moms
This is something I really have a hard time doing. I always feel like there is so many other things I have to do. It would be great to have a workout buddy. Thank you so much for sharing this encouragement
I have a very hard time motivating myself to work out. Hopefully this helps. Thanks for sharing.
I agree I need alot of motivation.
Quality workout clothes are so important. I used to not care about having them, but now I know they can improve your workout.
I have been trying to motivate myself into exercising but I haven’t had much luck. You have a lot of great tips to help get me motivated. My favorite is to get an exercise buddy. I know that would motivate me.
I’ve found I need a lot of motivation from someone and a goal to meet.
Everyone needs some motivation sometimes.
I am motivated most of the time but then im not..I have been working out and walking for the last 2 weeks and it feels great..
I try to walk a few times a week and having someone to go with is definitely motivating and having a regular time. I am always glad I did it when I am finished.