Does the idea of making time to workout feel like an impossible task to add to the to-do list, never mind ticking it off that list? Sometimes we need a boost of motivation to find a way to fall in love with exercise. Let’s get you making exercise a priority and bursting with excitement to move your body every week.
Before we dive into the 10 workout motivation tips, the most important factor is to enjoy what you do and have fun with how you move your body. No matter what you choose to do, always prioritise that element of fun because the more you do, the more consistent in the long term, which means you will exercise regularly. There is no point in going out running if you hate running, the same as if your best friend loves yoga but you can’t bear doing downward dogs. If you love one type of exercise or a variety, do whatever lights your heart up.
Check out the workout motivation 10 tips below to help you love exercise.
- Schedule it every week
Being consistent is key to getting those results you desire, and one of the best ways to create that commitment is to schedule it into your diary every week. This will help you to be committed every week and see it as an important appointment for yourself amongst all the other tasks you schedule in your usual routine.
- Go to a class
As a personal trainer one of the top ways I see members of the gym be motivated to exercise is attending weekly classes. The motivation from an instructor and the class attendees helps you feel pumped up during the workout. The atmosphere and accountability of others is a great way to feel inspired for your regular workout routine!
- Have a workout buddy
Having a friend to exercise with is a great motivator tool. Whether it’s your partner, friend or family member, reach out to see if anyone you know wants a boost of motivation to exercise too. If you can’t find anyone you know, join a club such as a running club or online community to find someone in your area who wants a workout buddy. This could be just what you need to get excited about working out regularly!
- Trial and error
If you don’t know what exercise you enjoy, have fun and experiment! Try different classes, do different types of workouts, join a gym and go to sports clubs. Sometimes it is a case of trial and error to find out what exercise you enjoy doing, but you won’t know until you try.
- Listen to your body
Sometimes your body might want to do an intense workout, other times it might want slow and steady, learn to tune into your body and see what it needs. There is nothing wrong with doing a HIIT workout one day and a gentle yoga session the next. Your body doesn’t always want to be pushed to intensity, learn to listen to your energy and fine tune exercise depending on how you feel on a given day.
- Be open to variety
Some people love to do one form of exercise, others love a variety. You don’t have to stick with running forever if that doesn’t feel right all the time. If you fancy outdoor training when it is nice weather do that, other weeks you might want to attend classes. Allow yourself to have variety in enjoying different forms of exercise.
- Short workouts
Workouts don’t need to be an hour long! You can get effective (and fun!) workouts in 20 to 30 minutes focusing on HIIT style training. Shorter workouts can be better than longer ones if the intensity is higher and you become more focused as a result.
- Set goals
Get clear on why you want to workout and love your exercise routine, make it more specific than ‘to be fit and healthy’. The more specific you make a goal the easier it will feel to want to exercise regularly.
- Be a child again
No idea where to start? Think back to your childhood, what activities did you enjoy. Climbing trees, playing outdoors, riding a bike, rollerblading, dancing, playing games at school, going to sports clubs or swimming after school. Go back to these activities and start doing them again to bring back the element of fun with moving your body!
- Be flexible
Having a workout routine is a great way to be consistent and work towards a goal, however it is also a good idea to let go of the rigid structure and allow yourself the freedom to simply enjoy exercise and do whatever movement your mind and body wants to do. One of the best ways to love exercise and be consistent for the long term is to let go of always planning a programme and simply doing what you love.
Start with one of these tips today to fall in love with exercise!
Rebecca is a personal trainer and health & wellness coach who is passionate about helping women to feel healthy, happy and LOVE life. As a coach with a huge passion for vegan nutrition, holistic health, enjoying exercise and self care, Rebecca is on a mission to help women thrive!
Leave a Reply