How to Motivate Yourself to Work Out

October 5, 2022

Sometimes, finding the motivation to work out can be just as hard — if not harder — as doing the workout itself. That’s why learning how to stay motivated is an essential part of any fitness routine, whether you’ve been working out for years or you’re just beginning. Ahead, you’ll find my tips for finding the workout motivation you may lacking right now.

As you read through them, remember that everyone, event athletes, and trainers experiences dips in motivation at one point or another, too. If you’re not feeling motivated to work out, also consider what might be causing those feelings in the first place: are you exhausted, burnt out, stressed out by work, or feeling pressured to do other things instead of taking time for yourself? Addressing the root cause of your lack of motivation could help and I am also sharing

Seven tips that absolutely changed the game for me:

Just get dressed

As someone whois a major procrastinator, I find that when I’m not feeling motivated to work out but know exercising will make me feel better, I just get dressed. More often than not, simply getting dressed helps me feel motivated enough – even if sometimes that means I am in my workout clothes all day long. Hey, whatever works, right ?

Wear fun workout clothes

Equally important is finding workout clothes that make you feel confident. I know for me, my belly was always a source of contention when finding leggings, I wanted something that would hold me in and make me feel supported. Enter Knix –activewear designed to make you feel as comfortable and confident as possible. They have amazing leggings, shorts, and skirts with built-in incognito protection, so you can move freely without worrying about period, bladder, and sweat leaks. And I mean the cutest colors and patterns too – to take you from the court, to class, to brunch! Their sports bras truly support too, and stretch to fit and milk to your body, there is nothing like Knix. From low to high impact movement, there’s a Knix Sports Bra with the support and comfort you’ve been looking for. Read on for a special offer!

Find a workout you love

For me, this is key to staying motivated to exercise on a regular basis. The best workout is the one you enjoy doing, because it means you’ll stick with it since you’ll want to do it again.

Consistency

Consistency wins over exertion everyday. Working out harder isn’t always better. I always tell myself to just start, and do something – even 10 minutes. Oftentimes that will snowball into 20 or 30 minutes. It is the cumulative exercise, day after day, that builds results, but more importantly makes you mentally stronger. Your mental capacity to workout strengthens when you make it a routine.

Accountability

Find an accountability partner

Sometimes, it is easier to let yourself down by skipping a workout than letting a friend down by missing it. Research confirms this benefit, showing that working out with a partner (even a virtual or simulated one) encourages people to work out harder. You don’t need to do every workout with a friend, but having a standing weekly workout date for a yoga class or run can become a regular thing you look forward to — and you’re much less likely to cancel on a friend than you are to cancel on a workout with yourself.

Pay For a Workout Class

If it is possible for you to pay for a workout class, doing so might be a good way to motivate yourself to exercise. If you’re anything like me, you won’t waste that money by skipping out.

Just walk

I habitually listen to podcasts on walks, because it’s a surefire way to get me moving and keep me moving. A good podcast can make even hour-long walks fly by, and you’ll probably learn something! This workout motivation technique works so well, it’s prompted the viral hot girl walk.

Think of the health and mental benefits

Exercise is medicine, no matter where you do it. But research shows that spending time in nature can be especially beneficial for overall health and wellness. So if you’re struggling to find the motivation to work out, take your workout outdoors. Research also supports a link between exercise and better sleep — so if nothing else motivates you to work out, think about how much faster you’re likely to fall asleep, and how much more satisfying your sleep routine is likely be, if you don’t skip your workout.

Be gentle with yourself

Tearing yourself down won’t make you want to get up and do better tomorrow. Be gentle with yourself. You are setting new goals. Progress is not a straight line, but it does tilt upwards. If you have a bad workout or miss a workout day, say motivating things like you are talking to your best friend. Sometimes, we can be our own worst critic. When your workout goal feels atainable vs. intimidating, that removes one more blockade that could mentally stand between you and getting to your workout.