Is it hard for you to get on the exercise train? I know the hardest part for me is just doing it.
Once I’m on my bike or on the treadmill I’m happy I’m exercising, but getting on that bike is so hard!
We’ve found some solutions to feel motivated to get moving.
New Shoes. When you have new shoes, you want to try them out right? You also want shoes that you feel good in, that fit right, that you don’t have to think about when you’re exercising. New shoes are a must, you want the support so you’re not hurting yourself and why not show off those new trainers. Speaking of new, I love to get new workout clothing occasionally. When I’m feeling good about myself or feeling cute, I want to use that outfit for its purpose.
Try Something Absurd. Try a workout that sounds crazy to you! Like rock climbing, pole dancing, jazzercise, or anything else! Break out of your norm so you’re doing something active in a new way.
Find an App. There are all kinds of apps to keep you motivated now! I like couch to 5k, it does just what it implies, it helps you break your couch potato mentality and slowly learn how to run a 5k. I was not a runner at all and it helped me love to run! There are also apps for yoga like Down Dog or for staying motivated by logging your successes like North Star. Keep track of how you’re doing so you keep wanting to hit your goals, there’s an app for everything!
Wear that Activewear Everywhere. When you’re walking around town, already in your activewear, you can decide to just pop into a gym, a workout studio and take a class, or just go for a short jog! Make the activewear part of your everyday look and then there’s no excuse to not exercise. I made a rule for myself that if I’m in activewear, then I have to exercise that day, it might not happen until the end of the day, but I’ll do it!
Make Your Everyday Life Exercise. There are ways in your everyday life that you can enhance to stay active. When you’re at the grocery store, hold that can of beans up and down, like you’re using a free weight. Or go for more walks or bike rides to get places around your neighborhood. Or start to count your steps around the house, so you get in the recommended 10,000!
Positive Vibes Only. Change your mindset. There’s always a way to see the light in every situation. My sister recently moved to another city and although I am SO SAD she left, I’m quite devastated, I keep trying to reframe in my brain that this is great for her, and I’m so happy that she’s going to live her dream. I do this with my exercise as well. I don’t think “ughh, why can’t I run that mile.” I think, “Great! I ran a quarter of a mile, I know I can run half a mile tomorrow.” I reframe my negative thoughts into positives.
Go further. If you’re running for 10 minutes, run for 11. If you’re swimming 5 laps, swim 10. You know that you can go a little further, and just go a little bit more. You can do it!
Pack Your Gym Clothes. If you don’t feel like walking around in your gym clothes all day like me, make sure you have some extra gym clothes in your bag. If you just have a small purse, throw in some pants, a sports bra, and extra undies! If you have a bigger bag that day, throw in the works, the above, some snacks, water, and tennis shoes. Then, when you see a gym, and you can get in a workout because you’re already set!
Incentivize Your Workout. Give yourself a reward once a month for hitting 10 workouts, or the number you choose, and then buy yourself something nice, make yourself a nice dinner, or go do something brand new! Do it only if you hit that number!
Find a Workout Buddy. Get together with a friend and decide to workout together. When you have a buddy you also have accountability. Go get it!
Are you ready to get up and get moving? The hardest part is starting, so try some of these ideas to get going!
