Finding Motivation
Some days you are too busy, stressed, or just too tired to go to the gym. You start out the day with good intentions, but as the day progresses, it wears on you. It does all of us. So why not just go in the morning? There are just as many excuses.
The issue is not time or energy, it is a lack of motivation that keeps you from the gym. If I were to give you $1000 to buy whatever you wanted, but you had to spend it all in the next hour and not online, I bet you would find the time and energy to go out and spend it.
So what do you do? Here are 6 tips to help you find the motivation to get to the gym.
1. Reward yourself:
Everyone loves to receive a reward for a job well done. So why not give yourself a reward? If you’ve recently cut sugars out of your diet, find a tasty shake/protein mix, or even chocolate milk, to take after your workout. When you start craving something sweet, you know it’s there waiting on you after your workout.
2. Pay yourself or have others pay you:
Is there something you really want, or maybe a vacation you’ve been dreaming of? Have a set dollar amount you will put into your “I want” fund each time you complete a workout. You can even talk friends and family into joining you in contributing to your “I want” fund for your successful workouts. This way you will get in shape and get that dream vacation at the same time.
3. Buy new workout clothes:
Nothing makes you feel more confident than a nice new outfit. With the right clothes, you will feel ready for anything the gym throws at you. Buy at least a week’s’ worth of workout clothes, so you can’t use dirty clothes as an excuse not to go.
4. Pack your gym bag every day (and take it with you):
Save time and effort by having your gym bag ready to go. If you already have your gym bag packed and with you, all you have to do is stop by the gym on your way home. Plus, seeing it sitting in the passenger seat eyeing you may even guilt you into going.
5. Get some accountability:
Have a friend or family member track your workouts for you. Or you can post them on social media. Having someone ask you daily about your workout habits will motivate you to actually go. It feels great to say “yes, I went yesterday”!
6. Identify what’s holding you back:
Sit down and think long and hard about what is really holding you back from working out consistently. What you actually FEEL. Are you scared? Are you nervous? Do you feel like people will look at you different? Write all of this down and start to think of ways to overcome those obstacles. Finally, find someone you really trust to talk with about it. You never know, maybe you will end up with a new workout buddy.
It’s always hard to start something new. Finding your motivation may just give you the push you need.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please let us know.