There are days that feel like the last thing you want to do is workout. Perhaps the thought of exercising is overwhelming. Maybe it has been so long since the last time you exercised that hitting the gym triggers anxiety. Sometimes there is more to stepping out of those doors and into a crowded gym. I made a small list of ways I get motivated; from personal experience. It has helped me make it to the gym and feeling amazing afterwards.
- Drink Coffee and Pre-workouts
Whether you are a coffee, energy, or pre-workout drinker. These little boosters give you a moment of catalysts to make it out the door. Of course, if these type of drinks or chemicals harm you, it is best to stay away. Also, caffeine doesn’t last for long, and it won’t give you magical powers, but it may get you out of your slump. - Imagine and Feel Long Term Goals
The reason you are exercising is important. I mean the true motivations. Write down three real motivations and pull them out for a time when you are feeling slumped. Perhaps you want to look good. Maybe you want to feel skinnier so everyone can you can overcome. Also, you may want to bulk up to stop to scare the bullies in your life. Whatever the reasons are, write them down, just three. Make them authentic. - Think of Possible Negative Feelings
Most motivation comes from emotions. Eating a cake may make us feel really good. However, if we are trying to lose weight and we eat it, we feel regret and guilt. Same for exercise, if we miss a session, we can feel terrible. “I should’ve gone.” - Think of Positive Feelings
Exercise is not all negative! Once you understand all the positive attributes of exercise, you will want to experience it over and over again. There is nothing like the feeling of satisfaction and euphoria after a workout. It was difficult at first but it was worth it. Imagine yourself feeling great after the gym. Think of the accomplishment. Think of the gains…or the losses. Would you be happy looking at your muscles in the mirror? Even the short term goals count! You will become addicted! - Easy warm up
Every exercise session doesn’t have to be bootcamp. You don’t have to lift the most weight or do the impossible everytime you go to the gym, ESPECIALLY if you are in a slump. Take it easy, start with a walk. Maybe some jumping jacks. Perhaps some stretches. Just start off small. You never know, maybe it will be your best work out day. Sometimes, just making it into the gym is a workout. Guess what? Than counts too! - Dive In
There are times when it is good to just go. This is one of the harder things to do, but it can be done. You can do it! Just get it started. Think of the parents that have to get up each morning at the crack of dawn to work for their children. It doesn’t have to be so glum, but it helps. You also don’t have to work out first thing in the morning! Some are morning people. Some are noon or evening people (like myself). - Step by Step
Slow and steady wins the race. Remember, you can’t do it all in one day. Realistically, you have to make it a lifestyle. I notice around summer or new years that people fill the gym or are jogging in the streets. It is a valiant effort, but be aware it takes a lifestyle of commitment to reach your goals. You can’t give up in a week. You can’t change in one week either. It takes time. Also, sometimes it’s more than exercise. It can be diet and other lifestyle changes. Just, step by step. Enjoy each step. - Excuse lower performance
So yesterday you ran 3 miles today you can’t run 100 feet. It’s ok. Did you try? That is all that matters. Just making it in counts. Consistency is important. If you are feeling down, putting yourself in the place where you exercise will motivate you. If you don’t perform your best, at least you made it. Remember, this is not laziness, this is your body adjusting. We all have our days, so if today is yours, forgive yourself, tomorrow is another day. - Announce Journey on Social media
“What a great work out!” or “Made it to the gym today!” simple social announcements, help your commitment. Sometimes it helps to know people are cheering you on. I remember when I was in a slump I posted my “check in” to the gym for about a year. Two or three people liked my status, but it kept me going. Simple things like this help motivation. I am motivated not let those two or three people down. - Music
Nothing pumps you up better than some pre-workout jams. Whatever type of music you like, just push play. Anything that gets you out of your own logic will help. By the time you make it to the gym you will be totally focused on killing it. - Take a break!
If you are already on a workout streak and suddenly come to a sudden halt in motivation, maybe its time to chill. Take a week off and then start again. Your body talks to you, it tells you when it is overworked so listen to it! - Have fun!
Most of all have fun. Exercise is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. It is supposed to make us feel better, like watering a plant, or playing with your pet. Those are all positive things that help our bodies grow and not hurt so much. Remember 21 days builds a habit, 66 days it becomes a lifestyle.
On The Move 