We all know that we should exercise regularly, but sometimes the effort of it can seem too much. Even if you go to the gym a lot, you will have had those days where you just feel like you’d rather stay home. Sticking to an exercise plan takes determination and grit to see things through, and if we feel like our plan is failing, then it can make us feel low and even less inclined to reach for our sports gear. If you are fighting to stay motivated to exercise, this guide gives you some tips.
Reframe Your Thoughts
You know when we say those words to ourselves, ‘I should be working out,’ ‘I should go for a run,’ and ‘I should be weight training today’? Well, the word ‘should’ brings with is negative associations that we are not doing what we are supposed to be doing. It can make us feel like we’ve failed, even before we get started. Instead of using the word ‘should’ try changing it to ‘want.’ So, ‘I want to go out for a run right now,’ and ‘I want to work out today.’ Just a simple shift in language can help you feel more energized and motivated to do what you set out to do.
Schedule a Time for Exercise
Plan your exercise times in advance to make you more likely to take part in it. When we lead busy lives, it can be easy to think that you must go for a run sometime, or it would be good to go for a cycle ride, but if you don’t schedule it into your week ahead, then there will always be an excuse not to do it. It is a good idea to use a weekly planner or calendar where you can write down all the necessary appointments and things you need to do for the week, and write down the times you want to exercise too. That way, it won’t overlap.
Put on Your Sports Clothes
When you feel like you can’t be bothered to exercise, just try putting on your sports clothes. Tell yourself that is all you need to do. You will find that once you take that first step, you will feel more motivated to continue with your workout. After all, there is no point in putting on all the gear if you don’t then follow it up with some exercise.
Think of Your Goals
Keeping your fitness goals in mind may help you to find the inner determination to go ahead with exercise, even when you don’t feel like it. For example, you might want to lose weight to fit into a special outfit by a specific time, or you might want to increase your running stamina to join in a half marathon. Keeping your goals in mind will help you find the motivation you need to lace up your sports shoes and get out there.
Try Supplements
When you feel like you have been exercising for ages, yet are not seeing the results of your efforts, it can feel demotivating. Or, if you have a busy lifestyle, you may often feel low on energy. That is when a supplement can sometimes help as a short-term solution. RUI-Products sell a range of supplements to help enhance your workouts or can help give you the boost you want for reaching your fitness goals. As with any new supplement, it is a good idea to talk things over with your doctor first, to make sure anything you take is beneficial to your health.
Join Group Fitness Classes
Exercising alone can sometimes feel tedious, so if you are finding it difficult to summon the motivation to go to the gym to work-out alone, why not try joining a group fitness class? Group classes are often fun, and you will try new exercises that you wouldn’t have thought of doing when working out alone. When you exercise with other people, you will make new friends and be able to exercise in a supportive environment where everyone cheers one another on.
If you are usually a solitary runner, joining a local running club will make it, so you look forward to meeting up for a run, rather than battling just to get your shoes on.
Find a Buddy
If group fitness just isn’t your thing, then how about just finding one friend that you can exercise with?
Having a buddy help you both to stay on track for your goals because neither of you wants to let the other one down by not showing up. You also hold each other accountable, for example, if you say to your buddy that you are going to eat healthy this week and add extra reps to your strength training, you are more likely to do it.
If you are feeling stuck, have a think about some of your friends and see who might like to join in with you. You can both then work on your goals together.
Keep a Record of your Success
Keeping a diary of your successes is a great way to stay motivated for exercise and fitness. For example, you might like to color in the days when you go for a run, as well as to begin to record your stats, like how far you ran and what your time per mile was. The more frequently you go running, you will see your results improve, and this can make you excited to go for your next one. You can use the same techniques for the gym, and record your successes there. Any time you need a boost, just look how far you have changed since you first began, and you will soon find your motivation again.
Regular exercise is vital to our health and well-being, so staying motivated is a key ingredient that we need to make sure of. So, the next time you are struggling to make it out of the door, try some of these tips and find that boost you need.