How I Stay Motivated To Workout + Cute Gym Looks
8 Tips on How to Stay Motivated to Exercise
There's no way around it. I feel my best when I am working out regularly. It's true, when you exercise, your body releases endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in the body - you know that post workout buzz. But damn it, it's hard to stay motivated to exercise. If you are like me and have a love / hate relationship with working out, here are a few tips that will help you stay focused on your health and fitness goal(s).
Tip #1 Set a Goal & Write it Down
Establish a realistic fitness and health goal that includes clear milestones, write it down and revisit it often. The goal doesn't have to be an organized race. Maybe it's to have more energy so you can keep up with your littles, or to fit into that bikini on your upcoming vacation or to rock that old pair of jeans buried in your closet again. Whatever it is, define it, write it down, and revisit it daily. Personally, I like to think of a goal about one - two months out, making it attainable. I write my goal and the date down, then I break it into weeks. Each week I do a progress check-in (pictures, measurements, successes and struggles).
It's one thing to have a goal, it's an entirely different thing when you write it down and monitor it regularly.
Tip #2 Create a Routine
Don't assume you will just "work in" your exercise routine into your schedule. You have to make it a priority and schedule it- your mind and body will adjust to the schedule and you will be more likely to be mentally prepared for the workout if you schedule the time and days for the activity. Each month I map out my fitness classes and put them in my calendar.
When you make the time it automatically becomes of more importance and you are more likely to do it.
Tip #3 Find Your Tribe
Finding your tribe = ACCOUNTABILITY. It's easy to hit the snooze button when it's just you, but much harder when you know you have a fitness friend counting on you. That's why it's so much more motivating and fun to exercise when you do it with someone else. Whether it's a running club, cycling group, CrossFit gym, yoga class, walking club (and the list goes on and on). All you have to do is find the activity and the group of people that works best for you.
Tip #4 Think Like An Athlete
Change your perspective. Shift your thinking from I can't to I can, from unable to able - think like an athlete.
Tip #5 Reward Yourself
Is it just me, or do you also workout harder when you are looking good? It's silly, but I have the most motivation to get my butt to the gym after I get a new top or pair of leggings. Go get yourself a fresh looking workout outfit or maybe a new pair of sneakers. For a little workout wardrobe inspiration read here.
Tip #6 Pump Up The Jam
Load your phone with your favorite songs. Music with a strong bass beat that makes you want to get up and dance is a great motivator for working out.
Tip #7 Switch it Up
No one likes going to the gym and doing the same thing over and over again. It's important to switch up your routine and have fun with it. I'm obsessed with the Warriors class at Endorphin - it's a combination class of spin and HIIT (high intensity interval training), but I add variety to my weekly excerise routine with yoga, bootcamp classes and hiking/running outdoors. The activity doesn't matter as much as the simple fact that you are moving, and especially that you're moving in a variety of different ways.
Tip #8 There's Always Another Monday
Don't beat yourself up if you are having a crazy week and get off track with your exercise routine. Staying positive and giving yourself grace will keep you motivated to continue doing the work. Remember, there's always another Monday - a day to reset, focus and get back to your exercise routine.
Cute Gym Looks
SHOP TANKS HERE
SHOP LEGGINGS HERE
SHOP JACKETS/HOODIES HERE
SHOP SNEAKERS HERE
What motivates you to workout? Please comment below, I'd love to know.
xx, Brook