How to Stay Motivated to Workout
Motivation for the Working Out
As the seasons change and it starts to cool down, many of us lack the motivation to get to the gym! In this article, we will go through a few tips and tricks on getting ourselves into the gym no matter what!
Making the gym a routine instead of a big deal is so important. Being active every day should be like brushing your teeth every morning .... plain and simple, it's just a piece of your day.
Set Goals
Make your goals realistic and achievable. Why? Because there's nothing more motivating than achieving those goals. Then, when you set new ones, you are 10x more likely to be motivated to achieve those as well!
For example, if you have not been active in a while, a short-term goal could be as simple as going for a walk on your break. If you think about it, that's 70 minutes of walking a week. Then you can up this goal to a 20 min walk or 10 min jog. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)
Make it FUN!
Find and plan workouts you enjoy. If you are sick of the gym try joining an activity that you enjoy to keep it interesting. If you are working out at home, look online for videos of many exercise classes, such as yoga, high-intensity interval training or kickboxing.
Remember, exercise doesn't have to be boring, and you're more likely to stick with a fitness program if you're having fun. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)
Make Being Physical a Part of Your Daily Routine
If it's hard to find time for exercise, don't fall back on excuses. Schedule workouts as you would any other important activity.
You can also slip into physical activity throughout the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park further away from the store. Walk up and down the sidelines while watching the kids play sports. Take a walk during a break at work. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)
Join Forces with Friends, Family and/or Coworkers
You're not in this alone. Invite friends family, and/or co-workers to join you when you exercise or go on walks. Work out with your partner or other loved ones. Play soccer with your kids. Organize a group of neighbours to take fitness classes at a local health club or work together virtually on video. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)
Reward Yourself
After each exercise session, take a few minutes to savour the good feelings that exercise gives you (serotonin). This type of internal reward can help you commit to regular exercise. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)
Be Flexible
If you're too busy to work out or simply don't feel up to it, take a day or two off. Go easy on yourself if you need a break. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as possible.
Now that you've regained your enthusiasm get moving! Set your goals, make it fun and pat yourself on the back from time to time. Remember, physical activity is for life. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)