It is that time again. Time to get up, make your way to the gym or your workout space and work up a sweat. It won’t take long; only 30 to 60 minutes, and then you can call it done. An hour is not very long in the grand scheme of things; yet, you just don’t feel up to it today. There are always excuses: you worked out rigorously yesterday, you don’t have time, and the list goes on.
You may understand that it is essential to keep fit for better health, and you may have established a fitness regimen that is tailor-made to help you meet your goals. However, moments come along which render you less than willing to go for that run or attempt the superset you’ve been working toward. It can be challenging to keep up your momentum at all times, but do not despair. It is not uncommon to encounter periods where you lack the motivation to exercise. The trick lies in using the tools in your arsenal to give you a shot in the arm that gets you moving again.
Here are a few tips on how to get motivated to work out.
Make a Plan
Proper planning spurs you to take action, if only to achieve a goal. Therefore, ensure to create an exercise plan first. A good plan realistically accounts for your lifestyle to reflect how much time you can dedicate to fitness. Once you have set up an adequate strategy, try to stick to it.
Set Goals
Goals are part and parcel of your plan. A scheme that is not anchored by aspirations renders you purposeless. So think about what you would like to gain from a regular exercise regimen. It may be a desire to lose weight, tone your body, or increase your fitness levels. If there is something you are working toward, you are more likely to keep at it while recognising the benefits along the way.
Ask a Friend
Social interaction is a powerful motivator. A workout buddy or a supportive friend can fuel your desire to keep going. At the very least, the prospect of accountability to someone other than yourself will make you less likely to slack off.
Take a Break
Sometimes, the best inducement to keep going back for another workout lies in taking breaks when needed. When you do too much for too long, there is a possibility that you will burn out at some point. Constant, unrelenting effort simply triggers the law of diminishing returns. So don’t be afraid to step back once in a while for a bit of recharging.
Be Realistic
Remember to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground even as you set out to touch the stars. Unrealistic aspirations can quickly dampen your drive when you seem to keep falling short. So make plans and set goals that are guided by your abilities and limits.
Reward Yourself
The promise of a treat that awaits you on the other side of your efforts is a powerful morale booster. Therefore, be sure to include a reward in your plans. For instance, you may set up a series of kudos to award yourself each time you achieve a short-term objective. Conversely, you can plan to have one large self-congratulatory prize when you knock out a long-term goal.
Work Your Way Up
There is a saying: ‘everyone starts from somewhere ‘. It is a powerful reminder that some of the most outstanding achievements have grown from humble beginnings. So shift your focus from lofty dreams of triumph to minor and present successes. The more you keep track of your progress, the more likely you will recognise your coups. In the end, the inclination to keep stacking up triumphs will become a motivator in and of itself.
Keep Your Goal in Sight
Manifest your success with a physical, visual representation of your goal. If you can constantly see where you’re going, you can maintain some connection to that aim. Consequently, you’re much more likely to keep working toward that endpoint.
Change Your Routine
Routine fosters boredom, an effective motivation eliminator. Once you detect weariness with your exercise regimen, take it as a sign that you need to switch things up. Explore different types of fitness to keep up interest.
Try Group Classes
Many gyms and clubs offer group classes. You can sign up for a class where you will meet like-minded people whose energy may rub off on you and boost your motivation levels.
Finish line
Sometimes, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak or vice versa. Your lack of motivation may be the obstacle blocking your path to success. Therefore, keep these tips as a handy guide whenever you feel like your enthusiasm is flagging. Hopefully, you will find enough encouragement to maintain your momentum long enough to cross the finish with aplomb.
