Workout Motivation…something that at some point everyone struggles with. Motivation most certainly comes in waves. Sometimes I feel way more motivated than other days, or I get an extreme kick right before an upcoming event. However, that extra dose of motivation doesn’t last.
So how do you stay motivated to work out all the time?
I have realized that if I do not love my workouts, then I don’t want to do them. I have to mix up my workouts and find something that I enjoy doing. For example, I don’t like spin; it’s not my thing! So, forcing myself to go to a spin class will only make me NOT want to workout. I love HITT workouts where I get extremely sweaty, and I feel like a total ninja in the gym. Other times, I love doing low-intensity pilate style workouts. Also to mix things up, I will ditch my gym session completely and go on a hike or on my recovery days, I will go for a super long walk.
Working out doesn’t have to mean that you are doing sit-ups and running on the treadmill! To find my workout motivation, I workout in a way that makes me happy. I am not saying I am always thrilled to go to the gym… in fact some days I dread it. Those are the days where I need to find a little extra sprinkle of motivation out of my morning cup of coffee.
When I am looking for that extra kick in the butt of workout motivation
I will scroll on Pinterest and search “Motivating gym quotes.” If that doesn’t do the trick, then I’ll do the old self-pep talk, “Haley it’s time, get your butt in gear, put your shoes, and let’s get this done.” During the cold winter months, I find it extra hard to get motivated. I want to eat cookies and watch Christmas movies in my sweats. So, getting in my freezing car and go to the gym it not top of my list. That’s when I find I have to pull out my motivation tricks. I will set a motivating quote as my home screen so that every time I look at my phone, I am hit with motivation like a big slap in the face.
Along with motivating quotes, I will set something as simple as a reminder on my phone that it’s time to go to the gym, sometimes it has a swear word or two (Whatever I need at the time LOL). Another trick I use is a checkbox list, with the days I plan to work out after I complete each day’s workout I will put a check in the box. By the end of the week, I can see how many times I followed through with going to the gym.
Planning workouts
Planning out my workouts is the most significant way I stay motivated. If I write out which days I’m going to workout and what type of workout I’m planning to do, I become more motivated, excited, and hold myself accountable. Writing it down and having it set in stone for the week makes me feel like it is just apart of my day, not an option. I’ve also found writing out my workout in the notes section on my phone, helps me stay on track. Then when I get to the gym it all planned out for me right here in my notes! Although sometimes that isn’t enough… and I resort to other things to give me motivation.
Accountability is a fantastic way to keep your workout motivation going!
Setting my workout clothes out the night before and writing it down in my calendar puts me in the mindset that it has to happen! Finding a workout buddy is an excellent way to stay motivated! You can hold each other accountable to show up to the workout, and push each other through it. Plus it can make workouts more fun! If you don’t like working out with others than you can find an accountability partner. You can text each other about working out and make sure the other person is staying on track.
My advice when finding a workout buddy is to train with someone at your level, and a tad more advanced than you in specific areas. If you aren’t the best at cardio, find someone who makes cardio fun and can push you! Pushing each other to attend classes is another great way to make sure you are showing up for your workout and hold you accountable!
New athleisure always makes me feel motivated to work out.
Whether it be a new pair of sneakers, leggings, or something as simple as socks will make me want to wear them to workout! I also wear certain items when I am training specific areas that make me feel confident. For example, when I train my booty/legs, you will most certainly see me in my favorite pair of leggings that don’t fall while I’m doing squats and always make me feel confident. I also love to wear muscle tanks the days that I am working out my upper body; It allows me to see my arms getting red and my muscles burning! I get in the zone, and I end up having a killer workout if I set myself up for success. It may sound silly, but you have to do what works for you. For me, matching my clothes to my workouts boosts my workout motivation and confidence.
Writing out my goals is another major way to get motivated!
Writing down that by the end of the month you want to be able to “x” amount of push-ups or run for “x” amount of time. By having a goal other than just “wanting shredded abs” or whatever just isn’t always enough. Your goals can be as simple as attending a spin class twice that week! Think about both short term and long term goals! Being able to see your goal often is going to remind you of what you are working towards. So put it on a sticky note and stick it to your mirror, set it as your lock screen, or write it down in your planner will keep it top of mind.
Wow, I am starting to ramble on a little bit, I am honestly feeling motivated as I write this! Staying motivated to workout is different for everybody, and its okay to have times where you don’t feel motivated at all! Seeing results and making my workout routine a habit is the most impactful for me. I look forward to working out also because it is my therapy, and it didn’t use to be. I used to look at working out as a negative thing and something I had to do. Now I workout because I efffing love the feeling, this is my “me” time, and I genuinely get high off the endorphins. Switching your mindset to I ‘have to’ workout is when I saw the biggest change in my workout motivation. I hope that you gained some insight from this post and my motivation tips help you!
What things do you do to stay motivated to work out, would love to hear!
Until next time, thanks for Hanging With Haley and here’s to you finding your workout motivation! You might find “My Current Workout Routine” helpful too.