It is almost the end of January, and we all know that one of our top new year's resolutions was to go to exercise more. It also was probably the resolution that got broken the fastest.
So what can you do when you want to workout but are feeling lazy, unmotivated, or just plain ol' tired?
Here are ten tips to help you actually get to the gym, even when you have zero motivation:
1. Just get your workout clothes on
There is something very motivating about putting on workout clothes. Just that act alone can be motivating, because you now you can think to yourself "Since I already have my clothes on…". And you would be right. Now there is no excuse to getting yourself to do something active.
2. Call/Text a friend for help
Holding yourself accountable to somebody else is always a great help and an added incentive. Find somebody who will hold you accountable and on the days you really just don't feel like going, call or text them, and together you can make sure to get to the gym.
Make sure it is someone you know will kindly kick your butt if you try to say no and make excuses, and eventually you can do the same for them.
3. Pump up the jams
Having a workout playlist is a great way to get motivated to get out and moving. Find songs that get you energized every time you listen to them, or songs that just make you want to get up and dance. You will find that songs that make you want to shake your booty will help on those lazy/tired days.
4. Find old pictures of yourself
Seeing old pictures of you when your workout game was strong is a good reminder that you have done this before and can do it again. Let those pictures show you what you're capable of when you set your mind to doing something. You were on the ball once, and you can do it again.
5. Watch fitness commercials
You know those Nike commercials that show all the athletes working out super hard? Doesn't that motivate the crap out of you? Well it should! Watching fitness videos/commercials are a great way to get super motivated and pumped about going to the gym.
Watch them and know you can "just do it."
6. Tell yourself: only ten minutes
This may seem silly and pointless, after all, ten minutes isn't a very long time, but it really works.
Tell yourself that you only have to work out ten minutes, and when you are done with those ten minutes you can stop. You will find that most of the times after those ten minutes are over, you will be motivated to do ten more. Pretty soon you will have worked out for an hour without realizing it! Plus even if you just do the initial ten minutes, it really is better than not doing anything at all.
7. Tell EVERYONE you are going to the gym
Tweet it, Instagram it, Snap it, Facebook it. However you do it, blast it out to everyone you know that you are going to the gym. This is a great motivator to actually go.
8. Change it up
Doing the same routine over and over again is a surefire way to lose motivation. By changing things up and trying a new workout routine every day you will keep things from becoming too monotonous and boring.
9. Try a class
Sometimes working out alone and trying to come up with your own fitness routines can be hard and create a lack of motivation. Trying out a class is a great way to find something new. Plus, since classes involve other people, it can make working out more fun and an easy way to find new workout buddies.
10. Remember the end goal
This one is really important, because if you can remember the reasons you wanted to be more fit, or why you had working out as your new year's resolution in the first place, this is a way to get yourself to actually do it. Remind yourself that working out is so much more than looking good, but rather about being healthy and strong.
So stop making excuses, and get your fitness on!
