No matter how much I love myself, I’ve always dealt with body image issues. I’ve never felt comfortable talking about it. However, if sharing my experience can help someone else, I’ll share it. I dealt with an eating disorder in the beginning of high school. I was so fixated on being “skinny”. Unfortunately, that really messed up my metabolism. I kind of gave up for a bit. I was constantly down on myself. I felt like I was always the ugly friend. That’s not the point of this article.
However, I refuse to feel that way anymore. Two months ago, I decided to take control of my situation. I began finding ways to motivate myself to go to the gym and eat healthier. I didn’t want to be skinny, I wanted to be healthy. At first, it was frustrating. I didn’t notice a change. For the last six weeks I’ve been trying to eat mostly healthy with the occasional cheat meal and work out for two hours 4-5 days every week (1-hour cardio, 1 hour weight training). I’m down a size in everything already. It’s not about the number on the scale; it is about how you feel.
Although my fitness journey just started, I wanted to share with you guys some of the ways I’ve gotten myself motivated. You don’t have to be athletic, no matter who you are you can use working out as a form of self-care. You can love yourself, and still work to better yourself. Here are some tips on how you can motivate yourself to start working out:
- Fill your Instagram feed with people and accounts that motivate and inspire you.
Guys, I know. This sounds really cheesy. However, this really has changed my outlook after implementing this I’ve been so much more motivated. Big influencers are great but seeing someone you know has had such an amazing transformation can really inspire you to do it for yourself. Moreover, fitness blogs can help if you are like me and don’t know where to start.
- Treat yo’self to cute workout clothes & have a killer workout playlist
It doesn’t have to be anything expensive but invest in cute workout outfits. You’ll feel great in them and feel more confident. I feel so much more motivated to go to the gym when I have an outfit, I bought specifically to workout in. Having a great workout playlist can help to get you motivated and excited to work out! The simplest things make all the difference.
- Write down your goals and look at that list often
Writing out your goals and how you plan to accomplish them sets a plan in motion. It makes it easy to follow and prevents you from slacking off. This can also help to hold you accountable and helps you to stick with it. It will help you to remember why you started.
- Create a buddy system with your BFF
Even if you guys don’t always work out together, it is always good to have a support system. Just like setting goals, this helps to keep you accountable, and helps you to stick with it. Staring anything new is easier when you have someone to do it with!
- Go to the gym even when you feel like you don’t really want to that day
Sometimes you’ll be tired, unmotivated, or stress. There have been times where I thought to myself: ‘maybe I’ll skip the gym today”. When I pushed myself to go anyway, I always feel better after. To be honest, I’ve never been like I wish I skipped the gym anyway. Push yourself, you got this girl!
I hope sharing my experience and tips I’ve found helpful can help you to start your own fitness journey. Good luck collegiate! You got this!