If you have found yourself in a place where you actually dread the thought of working out, you are certainly not alone. At some point in our lives, we all hit slumps were working out is the last thing that we would strive to do; we know we should do it, we know it’s good for us, but the motivation just isn’t there. If you’ve hit your exercising rock bottom and are seeking some advice for getting, and staying motivated, read on for some great tips of encouragement, inspiration, and awesome motivation!
Don’t Hide Your Gear
One common mistake that ultimately leads us to the temptation of not working out, is putting your exercise equipment out of your sight. The age old saying of “out of sight, out of mind” is most certainly accurate! Visual cues are literally a wake-up call to your brain. If you wake up first thing in the morning and have to step over your dumbbells, or roll your exercise ball out of the way, you most certainly will never forget that you need to get that work out in for the day.
Workout on Your Commute
If your commute allows, try and sneak in your workout on your way to work! Biking, jogging, even fast-paced walking are all excellent ways to get to work on time and shed some excess calories on your way! If your commute is a good distance, another great option is to park your car about a mile from your office and run or jog from your car to work. You can even carpool and ask the driver to drop you off as well. All are really great strategies for those who are consistently busy and just can’t get in a good daily workout.
Invest in more workout clothes
If you only have one sports bra and some raggy old yoga pants to work out in, chances are you aren’t going to want to go out looking like that. And let’s face it, every girl loves a shopping spree! Go out and get yourself at least a week’s worth of gym outfits, and opt for basics that are comfy and show off your favorite assets, such as your shoulders or abs. When you look good you feel good, and in turn will feel far more motivated to hit the gym or pound the pavement!
Log Your Workouts
Social networking sites like Facebook or DailyMile offer a great deal of social support. You literally have all of your online contacts holding you accountable! Once you choose a social platform or online fitness tool, get in the daily habit of chronicling your progress following your workout each day so that your family, friends or colleagues know when you typically exercise and when you are slacking off. Be sure to post what motivates you, such as your minutes, your miles, or anything else.
Workout with Friends
We love our friends. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have them as friends, right? The best benefit of working out with a buddy or group of your closest friends is that you get your social fix while also doing physical activity. Best of all, both options boost health, and the better you feel, the more likely you are to want to exercise. Plus, friends can help to keep your encouraged and committed to sticking to a regular routine.
Regardless, of what it takes to motivate yourself, the first step is to simply get started. If you falter a bit at first, don’t get discouraged. Pick yourself up and get back to the basics. You can and will reach your goals if you continue to work towards them!
Amy Koller
Amy Koller is a published freelance writer and blogger, punk rock drummer, wife to her crazy talented guitarist husband (they love rocking out together!), and supermom. The vast majority of her writing experience is dedicated to healthy living, martial arts, yoga, and all things related to parenting and mommyhood. Amy dedicates her love of blogging to inspire others to take on the belief that fitness has nothing to do with having the thinnest body around. It is a life-changing experience for the better and grants one the ability to feel that they are finally in control of their lives, even when it feels as if they have little left to hold on to. This thought process has transformed Amy’s own life, as well as her family’s. She seeks to help others in their journey to health and freedom too. She is also passionate about history (particularly military history) and has her B.A. in Cultural Anthropology with an emphasis on Archaeology.
