We all have those days when all we feel like doing is going back to bed, but we know we have a workout to do. Motivating yourself during those days is essential for building the habit of working out and sticking to it. Skipping a workout might offer slight relief at first, but you end up regretting it later. So, how can you motivate yourself to work out or go to the gym in the first place?
Prepare
If you plan on working out in the morning, prepare everything you need the night before to make it as easy for yourself as possible. Lay out your clothes, have coffee in the pot, and music ready to go.
Do The Minimum
Tell yourself you’ll only go to the gym for 15 or run a few blocks. Most of the time, once you get started with a workout, you tend to want to do more. If not, it’s still great to workout – a small workout is worlds better than none at all.
How To Motivate Yourself To Exercise When You Don’t Want To
Don’t Think
One trick to use is simply not to think about it. Get going before your brain has a chance to catch up with what you’re doing. Doing this will save you all those excuses you would otherwise come up with to try and avoid going.
Make A Date
A good way to ensure you don’t skip a workout is to schedule it with a friend. You wouldn’t want to cancel on them, so it will hold you more accountable. Plus, working out with a friend is much more enjoyable.
Bribe Yourself
Give yourself a little non-food incentive to exercise. Promise yourself a nice bath after the workout or watch your favorite TV show when you’re done. This will definitely help you move a little.
Set A Goal
Setting yourself a concrete goal like signing up for a 5K is great. Nothing is more motivating than knowing you have an event just around the corner you need to prepare for.
And there you have it! Now go and get exercising!
