10 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work Out

Even if you love the gym, sometimes it happens: you just don’t feel motivated to work out. When you’re feeling unmotivated, the first thing to do is make sure you aren’t sick or overtrained. If you can’t remember the last time you took a rest day, or you’ve been pushing yourself extra hard in the last few weeks, you may need a break. Listen to your body and slow down a bit. If you’ve been sick, you may need to dial back the intensity or take a few days off, especially if you’ve had a fever or the flu.

If you aren’t overtrained or sick, you may just need a little extra motivation! Here are 10 ways to get yourself to the gym, even if all you want to do is stay in bed.

1. Call a friend

Make a commitment to your workout buddy. Knowing someone is expecting you -- and will text you if you don’t show -- is highly motivating.

2. Book a personal training session

Some one-on-one attention, and a chance to work on weaknesses and move closer to your goals, maybe just the variety you need to get you excited about exercise.

3. Put on your workout clothes

It’s amazing how well this simple trick works. A similar tactic: tell yourself you can’t shower unless you exercise!

4. Tell yourself to just do the warm-up

On the days you feel exhausted just thinking about working out, just tell yourself you’ll do the warm-up and then cruise the workout. (Spoiler alert: you’ll probably find some hidden energy you didn’t know you had… but if you don’t, pelase be sure to chat to your Coach so we can help you get what you need from your session!)

5. Think about how you feel after a workout

Before settling into the couch, think about that post-workout endorphin rush. Concentrate on how great you feel after a workout. Take time to visualize yourself sweaty and energized and full of life -- and then get to the gym!

6. Give yourself a (healthy) reward

Set a goal -- maybe it’s going to the gym four days in a week -- and then reward yourself when you reach that goal. The reward could be buying a post-workout smoothie, episodes from your favourite show, or maybe some new workout clothes!

7. Go straight to the gym after work

It’s so tempting to collapse on the couch after a long day of work. Avoid this temptation altogether by putting your workout clothes in your car and heading straight to the gym after work. You’ll be glad you did!

8. Layout your workout clothes the night before

If you exercise before work, set out your workout clothes the night before. This will save you time … and will act as a visual reminder of your good intentions.

9. Set a goal – and make it public

Commit to working out regularly, then write it on a card for our Goals Board, ask a friend, family member, or loved one to hold you accountable. Post it on social media but for this to work you have to reach out to someone personally as well.

10. Track your workouts … and your successes

Do you keep track of your workouts, noting your progress and your achievements? If not, get started! If you haven’t already, download SugarWOD which contains all our programming, this makes life so much easier than an old-fashioned notebook and pencil - & we get to support each other 👊