Working up the motivation to exercise is a workout in itself. Many people spend more mental energy forcing themselves to go to the gym than they spend physical energy actually exercising once they get to the gym.
If you have tried and tried again to get back in shape and force yourself into a workout routine, it’s no secret that getting yourself to take the first step towards working out is vastly more difficult than the workout itself. After a long and tiring day of work, school, family, and running errands, it’s no wonder why so many people make excuses to not exercise on a regular basis.
So since there is no “magic pill” that will make you excited to work out every single day, how can you get yourself over the exercise blues? Luckily, there are some pretty simple ways to trick your mind into being more motivated to exercise. Today we are going to walk you through some easy ways to ramp up your motivation and get you out the door and on your way to living a healthier life.
These 6 ways to inspire motivation are:
- Splurge on a new wardrobe
- Switch up your playlist
- Add in some workout variety
- Change your location
- Set goals
- Reward yourself
If you implement these six things into your exercise routine, we promise it will have you on the track to success with weight los
1. New Wardrobe
One of the key motivators not just in exercising, but in life as a whole, is feeling good about yourself. For most people, buying a new set of clothes instantly helps them feel renewed, refreshed and ready to take on the world. This concept is no different when it comes to athletic attire!
Buying a new pair of shorts, pants, shoes or shirt is a simple way to quickly boost your motivation. When you find that perfect outfit that fits you just right, it’s hard to resist the urge to immediately show it off on your next run or in your next class.
Even though some workout clothing can be expensive, it’s easy to find cheap alternatives! Whether you decide to go to your nearest Target or Walmart, or you hit up Amazon, there are endless options when it comes to finding fun new gear!
2. Switch Up Your Playlist
For those of you who need music to effectively exercise, getting some new tunes on your playlist can make all the difference. It can get boring when you listen to the same songs over and over again while you are exercising. By simply adding in a few updated songs or maybe even remixes of some of your favorites, you instantly boost your mood.
Generally, the faster paced the music is, the more effective your workout will be. So try and incorporate some fast paced, pumped up songs to get you moving!
3. Give Yourself Workout Variety
Haven’t you ever heard that variety is the spice of life? Monotony is a rampant motivation killer and when you do the exact same routine every day, you become bored and almost try to actively avoid exercising.
Challenge yourself to try and do three different types of workouts each week. If you enjoy going to the gym, maybe try out some group classes at your gym that you haven’t done before.
If you are a cardio addict, try hiking one day a week instead of running. Another fun option is to create an exercise game that is in tune with your favorite TV show. This type of workout will force you to do 5 pushups every time your favorite character does something witty, or 10 jumping jacks every time there is a commercial, etc.
There are hundreds of workout options available and it is always fun to try something new. Don’t let the fear of being bad at something new deter you from giving it a try! Everyone was a beginner at some point, so get out there and try something new.
4. Change Your Location
Once again, monotony can be killer for your motivation! Doing the same workout at the same place every day is a one way ticket to disaster, so make a point to change up your location a few times each week!
If you are a runner, try out some new running trails that are different from your usual path. If you enjoy hiking, try out some different hiking trails in your area. If you like to go to cycling classes, get on your bike and cycle outdoors for a change of pace!
The human brain craves new forms of stimulation, and new scenery is a great way to feed that hunger!
5. Set Goals
One of the most essential motivators is setting goals for yourself. In all aspects of life, it is difficult to muster up the motivation to do something when there appears to be no end in sight. Setting time frames and realistic goals for yourself can really push yourself in ways you never thought possible.
Try signing yourself up for a 10K or a half marathon, or maybe sign yourself up for a yoga retreat. Aim to be able to bike a certain number of miles in a certain amount of time, or even make it a goal to hike up Camelback Mountain without stopping for a break.
Everyone has different goals and one person’s goal is no better than someone else’s. Just because your friend signed up for a marathon does not mean you need to attain that same goal. Maybe running your first 5K or 10K is what your body needs right now.
Keep in mind that these goals don’t need to be monumental. Maybe your goal is that you want to run a total of five miles by the end of the week, or you want to go to four cycling classes in the next five days. Make your goals whatever you want them to be, and then go for it!
6. Reward yourself
The only thing more important than setting goals is rewarding yourself once you have reached those goals. Whatever your guilty pleasure is, be sure to indulge in it once you have reached your accomplishments. Buy yourself a new pair of shoes, treat yourself to a movie night or go out to dinner at your favorite restaurant. Treat yourself, because you deserve it!