10 Tips for Finding Motivation to Exercise
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Exercise is so important, but I’d be lying if I said it was always easy.
Some days I am tired. Some days I am lazy. Some days I don’t feel like I have time.
On these days, I need all the motivation to exercise I can get.
I’m betting I’m not the only one who has these days.
In a quest to find the motivation to exercise, I’ve discovered these tricks.
1. Do Something You Enjoy
It’s hard to be motivated to exercise if you hate what you’re doing.
Find the type of exercise you enjoy and stick with it!
Whether this is running outdoors, taking a Barre class with friends, or riding your Peloton inside, exercise in the way that brings you the most job.
2. Reward Yourself
Nothing motivates me to exercise as much as a reward at the end.
I like to feel like I have earned that glass of wine at the end of the night or that I can indulge in dessert with lunch.
3. Post Motivational Sayings
I love a good motivational saying. So much so that I tend to write them out and leave them in places I will see.
You can find these posted motivational reminders on my bathroom mirror, my car dashboard, and on my bike.
4. Make It Part of Your Routine
I have a skincare routine and I have an exercise routine.
Both of these routines are an important part of my self-care.
But a routine doesn’t happen without effort.
I had to make exercise a part of my daily routine, just like cleaning my face.
5. Exercise with a Friend
I am much more motivated to exercise if I am exercising with a friend.
First, it is a nice way to keep up with my girlfriends who are just as busy as I am.
Next, I would feel totally guilty bailing on a friend.
Last, friends encourage you and cheer you on.
6. Remember Your Why
On the days when I am struggling the most to exercise, I try to remember my why.
My whys are my health and my family.
I want to do all I can to ensure my daughters have a healthy mom for as long as possible.
Exercise is one of the best ways to make that happen.
7. Buy Cute Workout Gear
It may seem a little silly, but cute workout gear goes a long way towards motivating me.
If I have a cute outfit to wear, I’m more likely to wear it. And if I wear it, I’m more likely to exercise.
I have found this to be especially true with shoes.
8. Keep Track
Did you ever keep a chore chart with your kids? My girls got stickers for completing their chores.
This same trick is a great motivation for adults.
I like to add a checkmark or a star sticker to my calendar on the days when I exercise.
If you want to keep track digitally, there are tons of fitness apps that do so.
9. Pay for Classes
No one wants to waste money – especially with inflation.
If I pay for a class, I am much more likely to exercise simply because I don’t want to feel guilty for paying for something I am not using.
10. Listen to a Story Only When You Workout
My last trick is to find an audiobook or podcast that you can’t stop listening to.
However, the only time I allow myself to listen to it is when I am exercising.
