If you want something bad enough, you will work hard enough to achieve it.
It’s a harsh reality, but we can’t sugar coat that those of us who want to stick to an exercise routine fail because of a lack of motivation. But don’t worry; we’ve all been there. I know I’m certainly guilty of sacking off the gym because I just can’t be bothered. It’s okay to not feel motivated 100% of the time. In fact, I think it is impossible to be continuously motivated. But we can always improve our motivation.
Here as some tips to improve your drive to exercise on a regular basis:
-
Get into a routine:
Starting won’t be too hard; you might even really enjoy your first few workouts. It’s the first 2-4 weeks when your motivation can falter. I have found that breaking through this barrier and continuing to carry out your routine will make you feel like “this is what my body does now.”
1. Don’t think about it:
The more you think about working out, the more likely it is you will start to think up excuses. Don’t think about why you don’t want to go, just block that from your mind. Getting into a routine will help you to not think about what you have to do, replacing those thoughts with “this is what I will do.”
2. Stick at it:
Signs of improvement are great motivators. If you exercise regularly you are likely to see a change in your body within three weeks or so. When you realise this you will feel the desire to get out there and to run farther, lift heavier and learn more to see and feel even more results.
3. Go early
I’ve also found that if you set your alarm early and actually get up, the rest is a breeze. Most likely your mind is still too tired to think about anything else, kind of like when you get up for a 9am. Doing your exercise early will get it done and out of the way, so it becomes less of a chore and disrupts your day as little as possible. Plus, you’ll probably be much fresher and more energetic afterwards!
4. Set goals and measure your progress:
The motivation will come naturally when you have a clear idea of your goals and how you are going to reach them. If you want to squat heavier, set a goal of being able to lift x amount more in one month. Set smaller goals of increasing your reps, sets, and weights each workout. Having goals like this will get you motivated, as you will have a clear focus. Like with point three, seeing improvements is a great way of motivating yourself. Measure them by noting down, for example, how far you ran, how long you ran, what weight you lifted, how many reps you did etc. each time you workout. Watching the numbers grow will get your competitiveness going as you try to best your personal best.
5. Change it up
It’s understandable that you won’t really be motivated to return to the gym if you push yourself too hard all at once! I used to do a lot of cardio, which I hated. I found that decreasing my cardio and doing things I actually enjoyed like weight lifting was much more exciting for me personally. If you’re struggling with your workout because it seems to be too much, or too hard, then dial it back a bit. Go lighter on the weights and the reps so you can improve. If cardio is too boring for you, then spice it up by doing HIIT session or going to a spin class, listening to a great playlist or use more than one machine per workout.
6. Think of the outcome
Don’t just think of the body image you want as you workout, or the fitness goals you want to achieve, think about the good it’s doing your body now and in the long term. Any type of cardiovascular exercise makes your heart and lungs stronger, reduces stress and the risk of certain illnesses. Cardio ultimately makes your body function better. Weightlifting obviously makes you stronger, but also makes your heart healthier, reduces blood pressure, improves metabolism, improves bone strength and improves mood. Keeping active throughout your life is so beneficial in the long term for a long, healthy and happy life. Thinking of these positives as you go about your morning jog is a great way to keep going.
7. Music
A good playlist full of songs that make you want to dance is essential. Spend some time looking through recommended workout playlists online and create an ultimate gym playlist. Change it up to regularly too; maybe even have one playlist for weights and one for cardio. Watch this space for an article on some prime gym anthem suggestions!
Edited by Jess Shelton
Sources:
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/50524827050050412/
https://www.musiccrowns.org/rock-music-crown/headphones-on-world-off/
https://media.giphy.com/media/J7jsbfcJ2O5eo/giphy.gif
http://theshawnstevensonmodel.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/11-non-stop…