5 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Workout

Hi friends –

This week’s topic is one of my favorite things to discuss, mainly because it is something I have struggled with for so long and have finally gotten a handle on. As we get older, and in turn busier, it becomes harder and harder to motivate yourself to workout. It’s not about having the drive to start. That part is easy. It’s the follow-through that slips most people up, including myself. But that’s where motivation comes in, ya’ll! Unfortunately, motivation does not show up one day and decide to push you out of bed or off of the couch. Motivation is something you have to create for yourself.

But have no fear, because I am here to help you! Here are some of my simple yet effective strategies to help get yourself motivated and KEEP yourself motivated to workout:

1. Set A Time And Stick To It
   This has been crucial for me because I have such a hectic schedule during the week and I know if I don’t set a time aside to do something, it ain’t gonna happen sister! It doesn’t matter what time you choose, morning or night, just set aside 30-45 minutes out of your day to move your body. Even better, stick it on your calendar or as a phone reminder so you know when it is coming up and can prepare your day around it. My set time is as soon as I get home from work, around 4:30-4:45 p.m. For myself, I know that if I don’t come home and change into my workout clothes right away, I’m going to get lazy and sit down to watch TV or even take a nap! Sometimes after a long day at work, that’s all you wanna do. But once I get home and change, my mindset completely changes and I look forward to getting in my workout and feeling 100x better afterwards once it’s completed.
   
   If you are more of a morning person, then try to get your workout in before you head into work. Set your alarm and make sure to stick your phone or alarm clock out of arm’s reach so that you have to get OUT of bed to turn it off. It also helps to set out your clothes the night before so you have no excuse not to get up and get moving. I applaud those that can workout out before the sun is up. You are seriously AMAZING! I used to be able to do that when I was in college, but now anymore I just can’t do it. This girl values sleeping in that extra half hour too much.
   
   Regardless of the time, just pick one and make sure you stick to it. Make it the same time everyday because you are less likely to cancel on yourself then. It becomes like an appointment that you set with yourself and you can easily continue to plan out your days without messing with your workout schedule.

 
2. Buy Yourself Cute Workout Clothes
   I know this one might seem superficial, but be honest with yourself. How good do you feel when you have a new pair of sneakers on or a matching workout outfit that you can’t wait to strut around in? It’s a simple concept – cute clothes make you feel cute.
   
   And I’m not saying you have to go out and buy an entire new wardrobe, because let’s be honest some of that stuff can get expensive! But I am saying splurge on yourself every once in awhile and get yourself a cute pair of leggings or a fun workout tee with a motivational saying on it. Add pieces to your wardrobe that make you happy and show off your favorite assets. Ain’t nothing more motivating to sculpting your arms than wearing a sleeveless tank and watching them work. Whether you realize it or not, wearing a baggy t-shirt and sweatpants to the gym is not going to put you in the best mindset for your workout. If anything, hiding everything under your clothes is going to make you feel frumpy and it ain’t cute unless you are cuddling up on the couch to Netflix and chill or going to Walmart.
   
   I workout at home, so I know how easy it is to throw some comfy clothes on because the only person that is going to see me is my husband. And he married me for better or worse, so yeah. But I can tell you from experience that a new sports bra or a fresh set of nike leggings can go a long way in making you feel more motivated to move. Even if no one sees you. You still see you and there is nothing wrong with showing up cute for yourself.

 
3. Make Yourself A Priority
   What’s the point in trying to create a consistent workout schedule for yourself if you are constantly going to let “other priorities” get in the way. For the longest time, I could not stick to a consistent workout plan. I would get myself pumped up and motivated, stick to working out for a week or two and then BAM! Something comes up that totally messes up my schedule and I can’t get back on track. First, you have to come to the realization that regardless of all of the planning that you do, there will always be something that gets in the way. Whether it’s unexpected or not.
   
   The difference in staying consistent though, comes from knowing that even if a day or two or even a week gets missed or messed up, you can always pick up where you left off. Just because you mess up a few days of workouts doesn’t mean you should become discouraged and stop. Just keep pushing yourself forward. Eventually, you will get back on track!
   
   Second, make yourself and your health a priority. It is so easy to become that person that is always taking care of someone else and putting others priorities over your own. After all, that is how some of us are raised (myself included). I’ve watched the women around me do some incredible things and always make sure everyone else is taken care of. However, when they inherit this mindset it creates a pattern of consistently neglecting their own needs. I get caught in this trap all the time but have found that by making myself and my own health and needs a priority, it creates a ripple effect that in turn helps take care of everyone else. You can’t serve others if you aren’t first serving yourself. This applies to all facets of life, but particularly your health. Make working out one of your daily priorities. Even if it’s just a walk. Make sure everyone knows that it is your time to reconnect with yourself and get your well-being back on track. There is nothing wrong with being selfish when it comes to your health. If anything, it is a MUST.

 
4. Make A Playlist
   I’m always excited to hear what everyone’s favorite type of music is and what gets (and keeps) them motivated during a workout. For me, it’s rap and techno/dance music. There is just something about an amazing beat and bass that gets my blood pumping. For you, it could mean your favorite country artists or even classical music. It doesn’t matter what it is, it matters that you make a playlist.
   
   I can’t even count how much time I have spent standing around playing on my phone, messing with my iTunes trying to find my favorite song or something that can get me moving. I have such a wide-array of music on my phone, so not every song is a winner. I have a workout playlist that I listen to everyday that includes all of my favorite motivational songs. This way I can skip around through the playlist, but not have to worry about skipping 20+ songs just to get one good song for my set. You’ll be surprised how much time it saves you and since it’s a playlist, you can always add and change songs as you’d like.

 
5. Set Realistic Goals
   Let’s be honest here. The world we live in runs on immediate satisfaction and results. We all want to see that six-pack right away or improve our mile run by two minutes. And we expect these results after three consistent days of shredding it! Hello people, not gonna happen. I admit, I struggle with the same mentality. It is hard to stay motivated when you are working out consistently, eating right and only see yourself drop a pound or two in three weeks. It can be frustrating and defeating.
   
   But you have to remember all of the positive outcomes as well. What about forgetting about the number on the scale and thinking about how your body actually feels; do your pants fit better? Are your energy levels up? Are you starting to lift heavier weights? Just think about all of the transformations you may not necessarily see, but are still happening behind the scenes as you stick with your workouts. For me, this has been the biggest obstacle that I have had to overcome to be able to stick with my workouts. I was just telling my friends the other day how I am a bit frustrated because I have been working out consistently for five months and I can FEEL my abs tightening up but I still can’t SEE my six-pack. Like WTF? But then I remember all of the positive improvements I have made in those five short months. I feel AMAZING and do not get fatigued or tired throughout my day. My digestive system is back on track. I feel less bloated. And I am lifting weights that I never thought I could lift.
   
   My body feels so much better and at the end of the day, isn’t that what matters? Forget what society says about having an ideal body type or weight. In fact, screw ‘em. Your ideal is unique to you and as long as you feel great and are doing something you enjoy and that improves your self-confidence, then it doesn’t matter what the scale says and it doesn’t matter how quickly you progress. Consistency is the key. Just keep at it – eventually you will see and feel amazing results over time.

 

And if all else fails above, I want you to just stop and think about why you started working out in the first place. What is your why? Sometimes the simple practice of repeating to yourself why – whether it’s to gain muscle, fit into your pre-pregnancy jeans or to just feel better overall and have more energy. It doesn’t matter why, it just matters that you find a why strong enough to get you through the days where you might find it harder to find motivation.

Just keep pushing through and remember that your workouts might not be perfect, your results might take months and even years, but all that matters is that you stick with it and stay consistent. Done is better than perfect, as they say. Your motivation might (and will) change from day to day, but that’s when you have to step up and dig deep to find the thought, goal or purpose that drives you to want to move. And I promise you, it always gets easier with practice. I want you to create the healthiest version of yourself. It’s what the people around you deserve and most importantly, it’s what YOU deserve.

XOXO – Brittany