Even though working out can feel amazing, most people have real trouble starting. You’re not alone in this. Finding that motivation to begin can be an enormous challenge. So, instead of doing it, you keep putting it off. However, you shouldn’t put it off forever; you have to find a way to motivate yourself to work out even when you don’t feel like it. Most of the time, your body and mind will thank you afterwards. So, if you’re looking for tips for finding the motivation to work out – you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will share some of our favorite ways to motivate yourself to get your body moving.
Why Is It So Hard To Start?
So, you’ve made a resolution to lose weight for whatever reason – that’s a very important first step! However, many people experience trouble sticking to a weight-loss resolution and actually fulfilling it. Have you ever wondered why that is? Why do so many people have difficulty bringing themselves to exercise even though they’re aware of the benefits? Are people just lazy?
Well, technically, yes. People have naturally evolved to be lazy. Our distant ancestors also avoided unnecessary exertion, mostly because they struggled to eat enough to compensate for the calories they spent searching for food. As a result, they needed to preserve their energy whenever possible. Nowadays, most modern individuals who exercise don’t have to worry about making up for their calorie loss after a hard workout. Now, we have to worry about the opposite problem: not exercising or moving enough. It can have really bad consequences for our health. That’s why finding the motivation to work out is key to a long and healthy life.
Tip #1 Set Goals
The best way to find the motivation to work out is to set clear goals for yourself. It would be a plus if they’re realistic and attainable so that you don’t lose motivation after a week or two if you don’t hit those goals. For starters, the most important thing is to simply get started and keep going.
So, set realistic standards for yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. If you haven’t exercised in a while, a short-term goal may be to walk 10 minutes five days a week. Even brief bouts of exercise are beneficial. Walking 30 minutes five days a week might be an intermediate goal. And finally, your long-term objective can be to walk a 5K distance.
Caption: Starting out is the hardest part – it will get easier after some time.
Alt: Woman holding dumbbells.
Tip #2 Make Exercise A Part Of Your Daily Routine
A great way to keep yourself motivated is to schedule your workouts and not make excuses. If you decide you want to work out every morning or every afternoon – set a specific time slot reserved only for that activity and nothing else. Make it your priority and stick with it. If you want to achieve your dream body and become the happiest and healthiest version of yourself, sticking to this schedule is as important as sticking to a personalized eating plan.
Tip #3 Find A Workout Buddy
You’re not the only one trying to obtain healthy habits and lose weight. When you go to the gym or on walks, invite friends or coworkers to join you. Moreover, exercising with your partner or other loved ones is a great way to spend time together. It’s also an excellent motivator because you’d also be looking forward to hanging out with a friend or a loved one. And, if one of you loses motivation – you can push each other to keep going.
Caption: Working out with a loved one or an acquaintance can motivate you both to continue pushing even when you don’t feel like it.
Alt: Two women planking on the beach.
Tip #4 Make It Fun
An amazing tip for finding the motivation to work out is to find a way to make exercise interesting! There are many fun hobbies you should try that also involve working out and keeping you fit! For example, find sports you like to keep things fresh and change up your routine. Consider joining a volleyball or softball league or enrolling in a ballroom dancing lesson. Start doing yoga or taking martial arts or kickboxing lessons. Alternatively, go for a stroll or jog at a nearby park. Whatever you do, remember that exercise doesn’t have to be dull. Moreover, if you’re having fun with it, you’ll be more likely to persist.
Tip #5 Reward Yourself
Take a few minutes after each exercise session to relish the positive emotions that exercise provides. This form of personal motivation can help you stick to a long-term workout routine. On the other hand, external incentives can also be beneficial. Treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes or some new music to listen to while you exercise when you meet a longer-term objective. However, even treating yourself to something smaller like an episode of your favorite TV show or a long bath can be enough.
Caption: Make your workouts more interesting by trying out yoga or competitive sports.
Alt: Woman doing the downward facing dog pose.
Tip #6 Make It Your Priority
We already talked about the importance of setting goals and sticking with them, but it should also be more than that. You shouldn’t just focus on exercising a little every day and end the story there. Make your well-being and weight loss your priority by continuing with healthy habits even after you’ve done your workouts. Start paying more attention to the food you consume and its effect on your body and health. Avoid junk food at all costs. You can even reach out to personal trainers to help you create your fitness meal plan and build a good eating style that accompanies your workout. However, it won’t be the end of the world if you want to treat yourself every once in a while. Remember, maintaining balance is better than sticking to a strict regimen.
In Conclusion
Finding the drive to exercise regularly can be difficult, especially when the weather is chilly and all you want to do is stay in bed. However, if you want to get your dream body, you need to get out of bed. Finding the motivation to work out can be crucial in times like that. Some days, putting on your workout gear will be enough to get you in the mood. Other days, it won’t be as easy, but if you follow our tips, it might make things at least a tiny bit easier.
Meta description: Finding the motivation to work out is the most challenging part when you’re just getting into exercising. Check out our tips to make it easier!
Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/color-colour-fitness-health-39671/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-gray-sports-bra-holding-purple-dumbbells-8846118/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-women-planking-at-the-seashore-1199607/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-doing-the-downward-facing-dog-pose-6453430/