10 Ways To Find Motivation To Workout

Lately, I have been feeling super unmotivated; unmotivated to work, to cook, to write, and most importantly to take care of myself. This lazy mindset has been creating a snowball effect where I barely want to go to the gym– which is very weird for a person who relies on the gym as a stress reliever! Of course it’s very common to experience these temporary hiccups in your routine, but sometimes it can be difficult to get out of this negative mindset. To get me through these stagnant moments and find motivation again, I try different mental “reset” techniques. Below are ten ways that helped me get back on my feet after hitting a mental roadblock.

1. TAKE IT SLOW
   • Even if I take one week off from the gym, I don’t go back in there lifting super heavy or over exerting myself. I start back with a short workout with lots of stretching, and build myself up to more difficult exercises. This helps prevents injury and DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness).
2. GET BACK TO GOOD HABITS
   • When I am in a work out slump, my water intake, diet, and sleep cycle are completely off. Drink more water, stay away from soda/alcohol, etc., and eat more fruits and veggies to get your energy back on track.
3. FIND NEW MUSIC
   • I can’t explain to you how important it is to find new music when you’ve been listening to the same playlist over and over! New music instantly makes me feel more excited to go to the gym. Try it and see!
4. PLAN YOUR WORKOUT
   • If you go to the gym without a plan, there’s a good chance you’re going to do one exercise and then sit there trying to figure out what to do next. I recommend making a list of 3-5 exercises you want to knock out that day. It will save you a lot of time as well!
5. GET INSPIRED
   • When I am feeling very uninspired, I go on YouTube and watch fitness vloggers and try to copy their workout splits or I browse fitness videos on Instagram for new ideas (check out Whitney Simmons). It’s all about getting creative!
6. BRING A FRIEND
   • Bring a friend or try a group fitness class together. It’s a fun way to meet new people, as well as get advice from a fitness instructor.
7. GET IT OVER WITH
   • Even if it is the last thing you want to do, sometimes you just have to push yourself and stop making excuses. I’ve never met someone who went to the gym and said that they regretted it after. Starting is half the battle!
8. GO SHOPPING
   • You got your new jams and a workout routine planned.. now go buy yourself some new Nike’s to get you excited for your work out! Anything that helps, right?
9. CREATE SHORT TERM GOALS
   • Seeing changes in your body can take a long time, so creating short term goals will ensure that you stay on track for the long haul. Plus it feels amazing to accomplish an exercise goal every week.
10. REWARD YOURSELF
    • Creating a tangible reward has been scientifically proven to keep you on track. An example would be to allow yourself to watch a new episode after the gym. If you keep rewarding yourself, your brain will eventually recognize that the actual reward is the post-exercise endorphin rush, not the episode. This is how long term exercise habits are formed!

Have any other tips you’d like to mention? Comment below and let me know!