You want to get in shape and have more energy but can’t seem to find the time or get into a routine.
When you do find time you’re unmotivated, feeling guilty that you should be doing something else or don’t know what to do so you end up scrolling Pinterest for exercise ideas as your time window slowly disappears into yet another unproductive workout.
Don’t stress, we’ve all been there, it’s just important that’s not where you stay! These simple strategies will kick lack of motivation to the curb so you can get out of a workout slump, into a routine and start feeling your best again!
Simple strategies that will get you motivated and actually excited to crush your next workout!
- CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Stop thinking about what you don’t want and start thinking about what you do want, seriously it changes everything.
If all you’re thinking about is how much you haven’t been working out, how tired you are and how much you aren’t feeling it lately you’ll be so focused on what you’re not doing and why instead of what you can do and how. This makes it even harder to get motivated and diminishes your desire to workout even more.
The next time you find yourself thinking negatively about working out quickly change your thoughts to all the things you can do today to get out of your rut, all benefits you’ll reap and how good it will feel when it’s done! You’ll see a change and get excited and actually looking forward to your next sweat sesh!
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- MOVEMENT OVER WORKOUT
Exercise doesn’t have to be just about getting in a structured workout, it can be about moving your body in general more often throughout the day.
If finding a spare window of time is difficulty right now, try just adding more movement into your day by simply moving more often; getting up out of your desk at least once an hour, stretching while sitting in front of the TV, doing some punches while waiting for the microwave, lunging down the hall or throwing in a few squats every time you wash your hands will all add up over time and keep you focused on moving instead of sitting!
I know those things can seem a little award but moving more often throughout the day can keep energy levels up, increase calorie burn, improve mobility and definitely boost your mood!
There’s so many simple things we forget about too, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from buildings, walking to the mailbox or doing some crunches before bed! When you set your intentions in the morning on moving more throughout the day, you’ll start to notice how much exercise you can actually get into your day!
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3. MESH EXERCISE WITH A FAVORITE
When you pair working out with something that is fun and enjoyable to you can make the job less of a chore and something you’ll begin to really look forward to! Find a good podcast to tune into while you bike, video chat a friend and do a Pilates video together or take a virtual class that looks exciting to you while the kids nap. Make sure to reserve that specific podcast and call with a friend for your workout so the only way you get to enjoy the fun thing is by getting in a workout too.
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4. BUILD HABITS
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Most of what we do in a day is out of habit, therefore out habits become out days, weeks, months and eventually years! Building healthy habits into your weekly routine is the only way to stick to exercise consistently and make it something you just do naturally. When my kids were little I was having a hard time fitting in all the things plus working out evn though I was a fitness coach!
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I always wanted to become morning workout person but couldn’t see to get up early enough. I was say I’l do it later but just couldn’t get around to it until i started making it a point to force myself to get up early and get it done! It was really hard at first but slowly became part of my everyday routine.
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You can get there too you just have to decide what matters most and then make the time. Start by scheduling your workouts like you do everything else in life and don’t cancel on yourself. Make it a point to hit that workout everytime even if it’s just 5 minutes at first, then slowly add on from there.
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5. SMALL DOABLE GOALS
First you have to figure out what your goals are and then what you need to do to achieve them.
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I wanted to become a morning workout person because I knew if i didn’t get it done first thing, it wasn’t happening. I focused on getting up at first, then getting workout ready amd doign short workouts then eventually got into a great routine. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t the most productive at first but stickign to it allowed me to build the habit of working out in the morning.
So instead of thinking about how far you have to go just focus on the first, small step. It won’t feel so overwhelming and will help you avoid procrastination. Plus you’ll be able to accomplish more short term goals along the way keeping you motivated to keep going.
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6. PRIORITIZE
Sometimes when you’re unmotivated you just have to ask yourself what you really want and set your priorities straight. Ask yourself if cleaning the house, running errands or whatever the thing is you’re doing instead of working out is more important at that time.
If they’re equally important, find creative ways to make it both work. Do a quick speed clean and then get on the elliptical, get your cleaning done in the morning so you’re free to workout at night, If it’s dinner getting in the way, use the crockpot or make up some freezer meals ahead of time. And if it truly is your crazy work and kids schedule getting in the way, try to take breaks during your shift to walk or do a few dumbbell sets here and there. I know it seems weird busting out dumbbells on your lunch break but it’s all about prioritizing what you really want, right?!
7. DO WHAT YOU ENJOY
If running on the treadmill for an hour sounds exhausting to you or taking a HIIT class seems way too hard then don’t do those things! Do workouts you really enjoy so it’s something you’ll stick to. Like we said before, burning calories and staying in shape is all about moving your body. Instead of HIIT do Barre, instead of running on the treadmill do an interval training workout or take a step class! You’ll get a good cardio workout in either way but enjoy one way more. If you don’t like lifting weights do Pilates or bodyweight exercises, if you love being outside do outdoor workouts, play tag with the kids, frisbee, bike hike etc. Just move and have fun doing it!
8. JOIN A CLASS OR CHALLENGE
Signing up for a class or joining a challenge can keep you accountable and give you that extra push to workout harder than you would working out alone. When you have the energy of the instructor and other members in the class it can really help you push a little harder. It also helps that you have to pay for classes which is another incentive to actually go so you’re not wasting money. Also in a class setting you get to know other members or join with friends allowing you to build community and keep each other accountable!
9. LAY OUT YOUR GEAR
Ok, if you really want to get motivated to workout in the morning it will help so much when all you have to do is throw your clothes on and start moving. Mornings are already busy enough and when you have to be to work early, you don’t have a lot of time to mess around looking for your clothes, shoes or hair ties. Have them all together and set out the night before so all you have to do in the morning is throw them on and go! It’s also really easy to use the excuse of not having enough time to to skip a workout so set yourself up for success the night before and get all your workout gear around so you can make the most of your time and have a great workout!
Hope these tips inspire you to get out there and get moving!
I love hearing from you! If these tips help or you have a question or comment leave them below! And if you find these helpful, tag me in your workout selfie on Facebook to inspire others!
10. HAVE A PLAN
Like I said, mornings go by fast so having everything ready the night before will keep you on track and help you avoid procrastination or skipping all together. Having the workout you plan to do picked out ahead of time will save time in the morning and also make your workout much more effective. I’ve done plenty of sub par morning workouts just because I didn’t write out my plan ahead of time so I would either make something up quick, do the same thing I always do or jump from video to video which isn’t productive. So plan your workouts ahead and have the equipment ready that way you can focus on the workout itself and not all the other stuff!
Hope these tips inspire you to get out there and get moving!
I love hearing from you! If these tips help or you have a question or comment leave them below! And if you find these helpful, tag me in your workout selfie on Facebook to inspire others!