We’ve all heard the same platitudes when it comes to workout motivation – ‘just believe in yourself,’ ‘no pain no gain,’ or the infamous ‘just do it.’
While usually well-meaning, these phrases do very little when it comes to understanding what actually drives you to want to exercise more.
If you’ve fallen out of your workout routine, or if you’re having trouble building one, here is some practical advice for how you can find the motivation that works for you. After all, working out is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one.
Workout motivation that doesn’t suck
Cultivate an Awesome Playlist
The first step to your new fitness regimen could be completed without even leaving the couch. Put together a designated workout playlist full of your favourite tracks. Choose songs that get you hyped up or that make you want to move around and dance. Reserve this playlist exclusively for the gym. That way, it’ll give you something to look forward to in your workouts.
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A Short Workout is Better Than No Workout
Sometimes, daily life gets in the way and you might find yourself short on time for the gym. It’s easy to convince yourself to skip it altogether if you don’t have the time or energy for a full workout, but this can be a mistake. Even if you only get in 20 or 30 minutes, the important thing is that you’re preserving your habits.
Don’t Neglect Sleep and Nutrition
All of these factors have to be in alignment for you to make real progress in your workouts. Plus, it’s hard to muster willpower if you’re tired or underfed. So resting and spending time in the kitchen is equally important as the time you spend in the gym.
Workout with a Buddy
Having a social experience tied to your workouts can be a great motivating factor, and it can relieve some of the anxiety of going to the gym alone. Plus, alongside having someone to chat with, you have someone to hold you accountable. It’s much harder to flake out on your workout if you know someone is expecting you.
Be Kind To Yourself
Ultimately, your motivation is going to run out if it’s based on ‘I need to lose x pounds’ or ‘I need to gain muscle.’ Instead of focusing on any insecurities you may have, try to focus on the parts of working out that you find enjoyable. Maybe it’s the sense of accomplishment after a good workout or the release of endorphins you get. Maybe it’s enjoying the progress you make as you steadily become more fit.
