7 Hacks To Motivate Yourself To Workout
Picture this: you want to workout, but you feel like you ran out of time or energy after a long day. Yeah, we’ve all been there.
Here’s the thing, time is one of the most (maybe even the most) precious resources we’re working with in our lifetime, right? We don’t know how much of it we have, and we only have so many hours in a day to seemingly do it all.
I get it, trying to squeeze in a workout in the midst of running a business, writing thousands of words, posting to social media, connecting with my wife, catching up with friends, loving my dog, and trying to make a baby is…a lot.
But the truth is, we make time for the things that matter to us. That’s just the truth of it. So, if working out matters to you, then I know you can make the time for it, too. Even with the busiest of schedules.
Today’s post shares a round up of my top 7 hacks that will help you motivate you to workout. Yes, even in those moments where you really don’t want to.
7 Hacks To Motivate Yourself To Workout
- Make small, attainable goals.
- Time block your calendar.
- Invest in fitness classes.
- Plan a workout date.
- Get creative with your movement choices.
- Sneak movement in throughout your day.
- Think of how you’ll feel after.
Trust me, even though I teach movement for a living by being a yoga teacher, I can still find it challenging to work out sometimes. And it seems like the longer I go, the harder it is to get back into it. You know what I’m talking about.
Regardless of the workout that you choose, try to stay consistent with it, because starting after a long pause can be…difficult, to say the least.
Of course it’s also important to have rest days, and to listen to your body when you feel like you need to chill, instead of pushing it. Plus, there’s the whole point of cycle syncing our workouts with our menstruation cycle, too.
It’s normal for energy to ebb and flow, but with those waves you can still remain constant. Remember, consistency with your workouts doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing every day. Instead, it means just showing up every day.
Whether you’re showing up for a slow walk in the neighborhood, or to a hardcore bootcamp class with a girlfriend- just show up. That’s what matters.
Learn more about how building physical strength can help with building confidence in this post HERE.
Make Small, Attainable Goals
First things first, it’s important to make small, attainable goals when it comes to motivating yourself to workout. Rather than setting a goal of working out in a certain way every single day indefinitely, create goals that you can see through long term.
While lofty goals are certainly gratifying to a degree, oftentimes they’re unsustainable in terms of longevity. We’re working to get you consistent, and consistency takes diligent practice regularly, rather than short spurts every now and again.
Time Block Your Calendar
If you’re constantly saying, “I don’t have time to workout,” then this point is for you.
Make sure to time block your calendar to ensure that you actually have space for a workout. Otherwise, your day and your life will fill up, and you’re right- you won’t have time. The real trick is that you need to make time.
Don’t forget that when you time block your calendar, you don’t have to set aside a huge chunk in the middle of your busy day. Think about the small, attainable goals as you set your alarm 15 minutes earlier to walk around your block with ankle weights on.
Invest In Fitness Classes
If there’s one thing that’d going to keep you accountable, it’s probably going to to be money, right? What I mean is, oftentimes if we’re spending our hard earned dollars on something, then we want to make sure the investment is worth it.
There are so many ways to invest in fitness classes. Perhaps you sign up for a gym, or maybe you get the new students membership at the yoga studio down the street. Hey, maybe you sign up for my app. You can also splurge on hiring a trainer, or going to specialty classes near you. The options are endless, really.
Either way, if you’re going to spend your money on movement, then use that as a motivator to show up as often as possible.
Plan A Workout Date
There are a lot of people out there who might lack the motivation to workout alone, because it just feels kinda…boring. I get it.
An easy hack here is to invite a friend, a new love interest, your spouse, WHOEVER, to go on a workout date with you. Working out can be a lot more fun when you have a buddy. Plus, you can feed off one another’s energy, instead of only relying on your own.
Make it a double whammy by paying for the class in advance so you have the financial motivator in place, as well. Or, go on a hiking date, or a surfing date. Whatever works best for you!
Get Creative With Your Movement Choices
I don’t know about you, but I find the monotony of picking up heavy stuff, and putting it down again pretty mind numbing. I want my movement to be fun, engaging, and dynamic. Or, I want it to be slow, mindful, and meditative.
If you feel good doing the same workout day in and day out, then stick to that. It’s working for you.
But if you’re feeling unmotivated, and uninspired to move your body- then try something brand new. In doing so, you’re also getting the physical perk of using your body in a new way. Which usually means using muscles that you might otherwise neglect.
Sneak Movement In Throughout Your Day
For all the busy bees out there, this tip is for you. Trust me when I say I know it can feel impossible to do the whole time block calendar thing when life is lifeing. This is why it might be better for you to sneak your movement in throughout your day.
Think about habit stacking your movement with other chores or activities that you know you’ll be doing regularly. Like doing squats while you brush your teeth, or going for a walk during one of your work calls.
One of my favorite ways to get a little *extra* in physically on jam packed days is to wear ankle weights throughout the entire day. Not only does this help all on it’s own, but they’re also tangible reminders to do a few leg lifts while I’m writing, emailing, or creating.
Think Of How You’ll Feel After
Most importantly, and probably the hack that I lean into the most is this: think about how you’ll feel after you workout. I apply this to my yoga practice as well if I’m struggling to get on my mat, and it works just about every time.
When I’m fully in my body, and listening to what it actually needs- then there’s never a time I workout and feel bad after. Now, that being said, if I’m pushing through pain or tiredness to move in a way that I think I “should,” versus in a way that I actually need- then yeah, I might not feel great after.
The purpose of working out is to move lovingly. It’s not about punishment, nor earning calories. It’s about celebrating your body’s capabilities. So, when you move from that loving place, there’s no doubt that you’re going to feel some type of way after.
Hone in to that feeling before you even start. Use that feeling as a motivator to step onto your mat, to step outside on a walk, or to step right into the ocean for a swim.
Let me know which hack works best for you. And, of course, don’t forget to share your own hacks in the comments.
Let’s help each other move from that loving place the best that we can.
You’ve got this!
xx,
K