Give yourself enticing incentives that propel you through your routine
There are going to be days where it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning. You may not feel like exercising at all. In fact, the likelihood that you will gets slimmer over time especially if you don’t have anyone in your life to tell you to get up and get moving.
So, what do you do when you’re pressed for time or don’t feel like getting dressed for the gym? How do you keep your sights on the prize when you lack the motivation to shower? You find ways to trick your mind into doing the thing you don’t want to do.
Here are ten ways to motivate yourself to work out when you don’t feel like it:
- Meet with a friend in the area after you’re done exercising. That way, you’ll be compelled to show up at the gym. With a friend waiting for you in the distant future, you suddenly have priorities. The desire to get out of bed, lace up your sneakers, and head out the door increases. Having a nice talk following your workout allows you to be more relaxed and personable, too, because it’s shifted your energy to a more positive and purposeful activity-working out.
- Pump up the jams. Music is a great way to get you motivated. Create playlists specifically for this reason. The music that you include should be high-energy, upbeat, and inspirational. That way, you’re able to get momentum going from the minute you hit the gym. Just pop in your ear buds and crush your goals. Keep adding to your playlists whenever you hear the perfect song that gets your heart pumping.
- Buy yourself a new piece of workout gear. A new t-shirt or supportive pair of running shoes is often what it takes to get you moving and grooving. When you look great, you feel great. Make your workout gear reflect your style and personality. After all, it’s just another extension of you.
- Go to a different gym or fitness center. When things get too routine for your liking, don’t be afraid to switch them up. A change of scenery is often all it takes to get you excited about working out again. Give yourself the opportunity to visit other gyms and fitness centers in your city. If you go to a chain gym, you’re likely given an all-access pass that allows you to visit other locations whenever you want. Give your home gym a rest by finding a new place to sweat it out.
- Hire a personal trainer for the day. If you don’t normally work with a fitness coach, pay one to help you out temporarily. You may find that the advice they give to you is valuable and something you want more access to. You never know just how beneficial a personal trainer’s assistance is until you’ve tried their services a time or two. Give it a go and then decide if working with them is an option in the future.
- Take a class that you wouldn’t normally participate in. Doing something new is exciting. If you’ve never explored the different classes your gym or fitness center has to offer, now is the time to do so. It will give you something to look forward to even when you don’t feel like getting up and working out. You’ll meet new instructors, fellow gym members, and even change up your routine. Who knows, you may find a new type of exercise to engage in regularly!
- Go outside to do your workout. Spending time in nature is exciting. It allows you to connect to the more primitive side of yourself and to detox from the digital world you find yourself engrossed in. Make it a point to do your workout outdoors at least once a month. It’s an experience like none you’ve ever had before. You can even opt to do outdoor activities such as play a sport, do yoga in the park or even hike in the woods.
- Walk or bicycle to your job. Make your commute count. Instead of driving or taking public transportation, why not use the power of your own two legs to get you to work? You’ll have the benefit of exercise behind you. It will also give you something different to try as it isn’t what you opt to do every day. Whenever you find it hard to get to the gym, try walking or biking to your destination for an instant attitude adjustment.
- Schedule a massage as a reward for moving your body. After you’ve completed an intense workout, nothing feels better than a full-body massage. Schedule one to take place immediately after you’re done with the gym. It’s one way to get you to work out even when you feel like sitting at home. Your muscles thank you in advance for being so thoughtful.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If all else fails and you just can’t get to the gym or outdoors for the day, opt to take the stairs wherever you go. Skip the elevator and take your time climbing up and down a few flights in your apartment building or workplace. It’s a great way to strengthen and tone muscles as well as burn calories.
Explore different options until you find the right combination of things and activities to motivate you. After all, you’ve didn’t get where you are today by being lazy. Lack of motivation is something that everyone experiences in one way or another. Make it a point to move past it quickly so that you don’t get stuck in a fitness rut and impede upon the progress you’ve made.
Make the most out of every day that you’re alive. Fitness is a lifestyle. It’s not something you do for a while and ditch in favor of another activity. By committing to making it a part of your daily routine, you’re able to maintain the results you worked so hard to see physically. And, that’s what counts!