In a previous post, I pondered the dilemma of how much exercise was enough. During my personal exercise journey I had come across contradictory information. Everyone seemed to have an opinion on how much to workout. When to workout. And what workouts to do. But, even if you can sift through all this information. Then you need to physically have the energy and motivation to get going. And I don’t know about you, but that feels like the hardest part of all.
The Motivation Conundrum
I still find that as soon as I think I’ve worked it all out then a new piece of information or research turns up. It’s like an endless game of whack-a-mole. As soon as I’ve tackled one type of exercise, there’s another must-have or must-do. This is just one of the many reasons I feel discouraged from working out. My motivation goes right out the window. Because let’s be honest, if I’m not doing it right it feels like I might as well not do it at all. Which means more time on my couch watching TV rather than dragging myself out in the cold to the gym. I don’t need to tell you which is my preference.
Motivation, Motivation, Motivation
There’s so many reasons not to. The drain on our finances from gym membership and expensive clothes and equipment. The winter cold an darkness. The heat in the summer. And the lure of activities you might prefer to do after a long day.
And yet, I know that I will invariably feel better if I do. Usually, working out helps me release tension or other emotions. It can be a distraction when I’m stressed. At it’s best it reminds me of how capable my body is. A good workout can make me feel strong or confident. Exercise can banish the self-doubt I have. Fearing I can’t do something or that I’m not good enough. It reminds me how privileged I am to live my life the way I do. Something not everyone can take for granted.
So, How to Motivate?
Remember How Good It Feels.
I’ve said enough about this above. But can you think of a time you exercised and felt great. How good did it feel? What did it feel like? Could you feel like that again?
Get Out Clause.
Most of my exercises are 20-40 mins long. Some days that can feel like a huge amount of time or a big portion of my day. So I give myself a get out clause. I give it a go for 10 minutes. If I’m not feeling it or want to give up then I can. Usually I find that by 10 minutes in one of two things have happened. Either I’ve stopped thinking about it and will end up finishing the workout. Or I’m clock watching and know there’s only 10/20 minutes left of the workout until a cool down. I’m too stubborn to give up once I’ve got going.
Accountability
They say one of the best ways to achieve your goals is to have accountability. So tell someone that you’re planning on working out. Or record it somewhere so you can see how you’re doing. Or don’t if it feels like too much pressure.
Get Someone Else on Board.
Can you workout with someone else? Should you choose to. I know that when someone is waiting on me at the gym or for a workout I’m more likely to go. It goes back to accountability but also not wanting to let someone else down. Again, this may feel like too much pressure and that’s okay.
Find What Works.
My aforementioned blog talks about this. To really commit I had to find what worked not only for my body but my interests and timetables. A mix of home and gym gives me flexibility to work around a busy schedule. Variety of exercise types including yoga, weights and cardio stops me getting bored.
For establishing a home yoga practise read here.
Think Outside the Box.
Exercise isn’t always found in a gym. The world is your oyster, or playground. There are outdoor gyms you can use, you can go for a walk or a run. Are there dance classes in your local area or a climbing wall? What about extreme sports? How about ice skating, skateboarding or rollerblading?
Forgive Yourself
I’ve always had mixed feelings about exercise. Sometimes pushing myself to workout when ill or when I wasn’t in the mood just made me angry or resentful. I’ve had to learn to forgive myself when I miss a workout. Sometimes I’ve got too much on my plate so if I miss something and do less that week it’s okay. Our bodies need breaks too.
**Coming Soon* How to establish a home workout routine
Is finding the motivation to workout a challenge with resonates with you? What are your tips and tricks to get you exercising? Let us know below!
I’ve been really lacking in motivation to exercise for the last few weeks so this is super helpful! My usual technique is to put on my gym clothes as soon as I get the urge to exercise, then it’ll encourage me to actually go out and do it later that day.
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Definitely a great idea. Once I feel dressed and ready I feel like I might as well!
I struggle to find the motivation to exercise lately but I always feel so good after I force myself to do it. When I am not really “in the mood” I do the 8 minute Tae Bo workout on YouTube so that at least I have done something lol.
I should also try you get out clause for the days when I just really don’t want to exercise. It was so much easier when I was younger but now in my late twenties I don’t seem to have the same drive to workout as I used to especially since I couldn’t afford my gym membership anymore. I always say little exercise is better than no exercise lol and I aim for a minimun of 3 days a week.
I liked this post!
These are some great ideas. I’ve been really struggling with exercise at the moment, and often find excuses not to get out there and go for a run, or to a class. This will be a great help. 🙂
Someone else on board helps me stay accountable. Great list! Visiting from Golden Bloggerz on Twitter.
YES this is the biggest problem I’m having in my personal self-development right now. I know I need to workout, I know it makes me feel better, but I have absolutely no desire to – at all. I used to play pro basketball in Europe and I’m embarrassed at how out of shape I am now. One day I’ll start a routine and stick to it for longer than a week. Thanks for the motivation! I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling this way haha.
Thanks Daina. You’re 100% not the only one but I’ve found it so lovely hearing from others who have felt the same too! I think flexibility is key too. I’ve grown out of so many of my routines and found it hard to stick to them. Changing it up was definitely a life saver!
Getting someone else on board is the main thing for me – I find I can do so much better, push harder and actually enjoy it more if there is somebody else doing the same thing! These are great tips.
So true! I find it so helpful particularly if it’s someone I get along well with because they distract me and make it so much more fun. Plus it’s a great way to socialise and exercise freeing up more time in the week!
I love the idea of the “get out clause!”
I can totally see how that could be effective for me
I’m so glad you find it useful! It’s just my way of being kind to myself and taking the pressure off.
The hardest bit is usually finding the motivation, after exercising you always feel so good about yourself x
Thanks Bryony! I couldn’t agree more! Motivation can be so elusive!
I love this! I’ve been ill over the last week and a bit and have just missed about four sessions that I’m really frustrated about. But you’re right: as long as I focus on how I feel when I do go, it’s going to be a lot easier getting back to it than my normal trick of talking myself out of it. Needed this post today – thanks!
Poor you! I wish you better. Not knowing whether or not to exercise when you’re ill is the worst. But sometimes we just need a break. But the longer the break the harder I find it to get back into it again!