I know jealousy is not a nice feeling, but to be honest, I’m soo jealous of people who are genuinely obsessed with working out and can’t wait to hit the gym every single day.
Because it’s so not me.
I love the feeling of having finished a great workout, when I can see the progress, or just knowing that I did something good for my health. I even enjoy working out (most of the time) and the adrenalin rush I get.
Actually starting a fitness routine and dragging myself to the gym for the first few times – that’s a whole different matter.
Starting out is the most difficult part of the process for me. In the beginning, it’s a difficult mental negotiation with myself almost every single time.
+ I should really go.
+ Not today. I’ll go tomorrow.
+ I still should do it today.
+ I don’t have the time, because I have other things to do.
+ No, it’s important, get yourself together.
Anyone else has the same issue?
It’s especially difficult in the colder season. While summer is a great time for committing to a healthy and active lifestyle (nice weather, lighter diet, beach motivation, longer days), once the short, dark days of winter season arrive, we’re often more inclined to skip the gym. Or at least I am.
But not this year, I promise (mainly to myself).
Because it shouldn’t be about short and desperate last minute attempts to get ourselves in shape for summer. It shouldn’t only be about that bikini body – though I’m not going to pretend it’s not a nice bonus. Instead, the focus should be on the health benefits – both physical and mental. Being smart and mindful about our life entails a responsibility for treating our body and health the right way as well.
Yes, it takes some work and dedication. But conquering ourselves is a great feeling and I also know from experience that once I’m committed to a routine (and I think this is true for most people), it becomes much more easier.
So, how to get over the initial hurdles? These are my fitness motivation tricks and tips to get – or get back – on track.
Fitness motivation tricks and tips
Find a workout partner
Working out with a partner or a friend can be a crucial motivational tool. First, it’s a lot more fun to sweat together. Second, it can be a social activity. And last, you’re a lot less likely to skip classes. I usually work out with my fiance, because he’s a fanatic who doesn’t let me sit on my ass and drags me with himself to classes.
Buy some nice workout clothes and put them on way before your gym time
When I lack a little motivation, but know I really should go to the gym, I dress up in my workout clothes and put on some fast-paced music. I feel like it kinda tricks my brain and puts me into a more energized, “OK, let’s do this” mood. Actually, experts and even psychologists say what you wear in the gym can affect your motivation. And no need to spend $100 on a legging. I scored most of my quality gym wear in outlets and places like TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack for a fraction of the price.
Find a physical activity you actually love
A couple of years ago I became obsessed with bootcamp training. It was an intense 1,5 hour-long interval cardio/weights session, but because it was actually fun, it didn’t seem like work at all. I liked it so much, I even went to the classes alone (and that’s a huge thing for me). Bottom line, find something you genuinely enjoy doing, be it running, weightlifting, or pilates. Make it a hobby rather than a chore.
Track your progress. And no, not with a weight scale
Forget the scale. I mean it, it’s the worst way ever to track any progress. I think I haven’t stood on a scale in 5 years. It means absolutely nothing. Also, we all know, muscle weighs more than fat, so no need to get depressed over a little weight gain if you work out regularly. Track your performance with some fitness apps. Or take photos and monitor (and be proud of) how your body transforms – the first time you see some progress is awesome and will definitely give you a healthy dose of motivation to keep on.
Buy the healthiest food you can find
If you wanna be healthy and fit, a good balanced diet is a must. How we look is determined by 70% of what we eat and only 30% of how much we work out. Besides, it’s also a great motivational tool to kickstart your health routine. Grab the most colorful in-season vegetables and fruits, some oats, seeds, and healthy fats and you’ll feel instant gratification that you took some steps into the right direction.
Treat gym time as sacred
Time block it in your calendar. Pay forward for classes. Treat it like it’s set in stone and absolutely non-negotiable. Especially for the first two months as these are the most crucial times. After two months, it’ll start to become a habit and you also see the first signs of progress, so it’s easier to continue.
Consider working with a personal trainer or a very knowledgeable friend
Investing a couple of times in a personal training session can be very rewarding. You can learn the basic moves, pick up some exercise tips, and become more confident in the new gym environment. If you have a very fitness-oriented friend – even better.
Work out just a little
Every bit of exercise counts and helps your body to become accustomed to the new routine. Tell yourself you’re working out for just 15 mins today. It’s such a tiny amount of time that it’s really hard to justify cancelling. Once you’re there, chances are the 15 mins will turn into 45 without even noticing.
Have a concrete goal
I’m all about goals. And I know health should be our number 1 motivation, but it’s a bit too abstract for me. I always need some kind of goal that I can track. Whether it’s an event that I need my best form for, or increasing the weights I usually use, or simply going to the gym 3-4 times a week, goals help me remain on track. Even better: put it on your Pinterest goal visualisation board.
Throw out the bullshit excuses
We’re all masters of excuses. No time, will do tomorrow, I have a headache, I have other things to do, etc. But being brutal honest with ourselves and our excuses is essential for personal development. Round up your usual excuses and deal with them. Every time the little voice whispers “I don’t have the time“, just ask louder “Really? Or am I just being lazy right now?“.
+1 Don’t be afraid of the gym
Sure, it’s not the only option to get some fitness, but it’s still one of the best ones, especially in the winter, when the chances of working out outside are slim. I’ve heard this a lot of times, both online and from some of my friends, that they are too anxious or self-conscious to go to the gym. Because they don’t know what to do there, they fear they will be ridiculed or they don’t look like the fitness bodybuilders in protein ads. I get that it might seem intimidating at first (at least it was for me), but take it from someone who has been to several different gyms: most of those worries are internal and have no actual truth to them.
Everyone’s there to mind their own business and not to stare at strangers – that would be a complete time waste. Also, not everyone is looking like an Instagram model there either. And most of the regular gym goers are more than happy to help a newbie out and pass over their knowledge. If I see a new person in my regular class act a little confused, I always ask whether I can help with something. I also love when there are incredibly fit, hard-working women in my class – it gives me an extra set of motivation. So, while it might be intimidating at first, I promise, in no time you’ll gain confidence from the routine.
Hope these fitness motivation tricks and tips will give you a little bit of motivation to kickstart your workout routine.
And please, let me know your own tricks and tips! xx
