Some days, the idea of carving out 60 minutes for exercise seems as daunting as climbing Mt Everest. We’ve all been there: vowing to go to bed early for a morning sweat session, and then hitting snooze repeatedly the next day, skipping the workout all together, promising ourselves that it won’t happen again.

Finding the motivation to work out on a consistent basis isn’t easy, and getting into a routine is a struggle that many face, especially with work and a social life getting in the way. While motivation is a personal thing (what drives one individual may not have the same impact on another), below are tips to make getting in your workout as easy as possible. Remember: the hardest part is usually putting on your sneakers and showing up.

Love your workout

When it comes to getting your sweat on, there are a myriad of options for gym goers. From running to strength training to dancing, cycling, climbing or yoga, there’s a workout for just about anyone. Therefore, there is no need to suffer through a class or workout you absolutely hate just for the sake of exercise. When you find a workout that you actually enjoy doing, the motivation to move comes much more easily. While I’ve completed a half marathon in the past, these days I love interval and strength training, and the idea of a long run makes me shudder. I don’t force myself to run—I choose to focus on the workouts that I currently love instead, and have a much easier time getting them done instead of forcing myself to bang out multiple miles.

Find your optimal workout time

Unless your schedule is completely inflexible, working out during a time frame when you feel your best is key. For some, the idea of a 6 a.m. class is completely ridiculous, while morning exercisers bemoan the thought of working out after a long day in the office. Know what works best for you personally and plan accordingly. Different studies show that exercising during certain time frames is better for various goals (for example, working out in the morning to burn more fat during the day), but it ultimately comes down to when you personally feel your best.

Be accountable to someone

Having a workout partner can make all the difference in how you motivate yourself to get to the gym. A study by Santa Clara University revealed that social interaction during exercise is more enjoyable than exercising alone, particularly for females. In addition to being more fun, having someone waiting for you for a run or a strength training session will make you far more likely to stick to your plan. Hannah Holdren, a personal trainer at Crunch in San Francisco, says if you can’t find the motivation yourself, outsource it. Commit to a class, a friend, or hire a trainer to help you succeed. “Ultimately,” Holdren says, “the hope is that motivation becomes intrinsic. While you may like having a workout buddy, a community, or a class to hold you accountable, over time the goal is to get you to show up for yourself—and the companionship is just a plus.”

Reward yourself

While some are motivated by abstract goals, such as the idea of losing 20 pounds or getting healthier, another way to maintain a commitment to fitness is through an actual reward system. For example, enjoying a post-workout massage or buying new workout attire after successfully going to the gym a certain number of times keeps people going back for more. There are apps that even track workouts and reward you accordingly, such as Gympact and Fitocracy, offering incentives to help you stay on track.

Envision success

Working out is hugely mental—especially when you’re digging deep for the motivation to even get started. Zack Van Wagoner, a personal trainer at Crunch in San Francisco, advises his clients to think about all the work they’ve already put in, and how much better they will feel after a workout is over. “After your workout is done, you’ll feel better about the day, your effort, and ultimately yourself,” says Van Wagoner.

What motivates you to get to the gym and or get moving? Comment with your favorite tip below!

Click here to find out about Rose’s thoughts on wellbeing and health

 

7 Comments

  • Sandra W.
    Posted November 19, 2015 11:36 am 0Likes

    I lost 50 pounds last year. It wasn’t an easy journey. I changed my eating habits and I started to work out on a regular. After seeing and feeling the first results – I felt amazing. This feeling made up for all the times I hated going to the gym or snacking on baby carrots…. It motivated me seeing my body change for the better as well as feeling how much more active I became. I actually rewarded myself by taking little shopping trips every time my scale went down a little 🙂 I love my new life now that I have finally the body I always wanted!!! Thank you for this article!!

    • Gianna Caiola
      Posted November 19, 2015 11:48 am 0Likes

      Hey Sandra,

      I’m sure you don’t need us to tell you but we are SO PROUD! Go You!

      Much Love,
      RWM STAFF

  • Allison
    Posted November 19, 2015 12:03 pm 0Likes

    I think having a work out partner is the best way to stay motivated. When someone depends on you to go to the gym, you are more likely to do it.

    Also, having a cute trainer is a great motivating factor haha Just kidding!

    • Gianna Caiola
      Posted November 19, 2015 12:08 pm 0Likes

      Sign us up Allison!

      xo,
      RWM STAFF

  • Tamara Schindler
    Posted November 19, 2015 12:22 pm 0Likes

    Allison, you definitely have a point there!!! 🙂
    What motivated me was having the goal to finally fit in my favorite pants again…after years of being horribly out of shape… Every few weeks I would pull them out of the closet and try them on. I don’t have to tell you guys that I heard the angels sing the day I finally reached that goal!!!

  • Melanie
    Posted November 20, 2015 12:02 pm 0Likes

    Very useful tips! I especially love the part about rewarding yourself 🙂

  • Joe M
    Posted November 23, 2015 1:33 pm 0Likes

    I hate working out but somehow I find using that as a mantra helps me get through my time at the gym. Getting on a elliptical as you repeat “I hate working out” seems to help with the pressure of feeling like you have to love it. You don’t need to be a health nut to workout you just have to remind yourself that working out makes you a healthier you!

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