Everyone knows how great the post-workout adrenaline rush is. When your workout is done, you feel like you can take on the world.
The hard part isn’t necessarily finishing your run or repping out your squats. No, one of the hardest things about fitness is finding the motivation to go to the gym.
The last thing you want to do after a long day at work and juggling responsibilities is a workout.
Having the right motivation to go to the gym or start working out can sometimes be a trying task. Whether it’s running, cycling, or rowing, the key is to start somewhere. You can even grab a cool, new pair of running shoes or check out some of the best rowing machine reviews just to get you excited about working out.
If you’re just starting out with your own workout routine, then it’s best if you seek out advice from those who are more experienced in this area of expertise. This way, you’ll know that you’re getting the proper help needed. Getting inspired by those around you can give you that added push, particularly when committing to gym time already starts to feel like a chore for you.
If you lack gym motivation, you need to keep reading. We have five actionable tips that will teach you how to motivate yourself to go to the gym.
1. Choose a Workout You Like
You’re setting yourself up for failure if you hate running but keep planning treadmill workouts. Instead of forcing yourself to move your body in a way you dislike, choose exercises you love.
Set yourself up for a win by scheduling in exercises that light you up. There’s no point in forcing yourself to do a spin class if strength training is your jam.
2. Get a Buddy
Staying motivated at the gym can be hard, especially if you’re going alone.
An accountability partner may be just what you need to keep yourself on track. One of the best ways to ensure you get to the gym is knowing someone is waiting for you there.
Instead of planning after-work cocktails with a friend, go to spin class together. Working out with a friend adds a social element to your sweat sesh, too.
You don’t need to live in the same city as your accountability partner to see success, either. You and your virtual buddy can send messages and photos every day for accountability.
3. Put It All in Writing
Treat your gym sessions like an important business meeting. Write down what days and times you’re going to work out in your weekly planner.
Write down your goals. You should use the SMART Goals process to set measurable and achievable goals.
Keep a workout journal to track your progress. A journal will keep you accountable and help you measure progress beyond the scale.
4. Sweat It Out Before Your Brain Knows What’s Up
If you have trouble knowing how to motivate yourself to work out after work, don’t. Go in the morning before your workday even begins instead.
The earlier you get your sweat on, the fewer excuses there are convincing you to skip out. Plus, morning workouts can help you lose more weight than people who exercise at night.
5. Switch It Up
If the gym has become a monotonous task you dread, it may be time to switch it up. Changing your workout regimen every few weeks will keep you on your toes and prevent boredom. New routines and exercises will work different body parts and make you fitter faster, too.
One thing you can do is watch some inspiring videos on the internet. See some athletes who really seem to live the life they are trying to portray in their videos. Certainly, you can tell those who are really focused with their healthy lifestyle apart from those who simply “talk” about it for content. Pay attention to the way they prepare for their workout, how they maintain their fit lifestyle, and the level of difficulty of the exercises. It should be one that’ll be inspiring and easy enough for you to follow, especially if you’re still a beginner.
Trying something new can help combat the problem of lack of motivation. It doesn’t have to be something difficult. It can be as easy as alternating a hike or walk with your gym sessions, or cycling, for instance. Whatever your choice may be, make sure that you keep yourself motivated.
Find Your Gym Motivation
Gym motivation has never been so in reach with our five tips under your belt. Remember, the hardest part of your workout is stepping foot into the gym. Once you’re inside, there’s no turning back.
Of course, these tips won’t work if you don’t take action. So, if you’ve been putting off going to the gym, then it’s time you made that commitment. Find a gym that you like, make a list of the benefits that you would get from working out there, and then commit to it. Make sure you set short-term goals to help you stay on track, and then focus on those goals and work hard to achieve them every single day.
Don’t forget to check out our Fitness section for more tips on living your fittest life.
