Staying Motivated

Let's face it, we all have days when the last thing we want to do is make it to the gym, this gets even worse when you're smack dab in the middle of some sort of prep. Whether it's because we're tired, busy, or just not feeling it, it can be hard to stay motivated. However, regular exercise is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health, so finding ways to stay motivated is key. Here are some tips and tricks to help you stay motivated to exercise:

Set Goals
Having a clear goal in mind can be a powerful motivator. Whether you're training for a race, trying to lose weight, or improve strength, setting specific goals can help keep you on track. Write down your goal and keep it somewhere visible, so you can be reminded of what you're working towards. As a nurse educator, I try to set my new grads with SMART goals. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Try it out with some short term goals in the gym.

Mix It Up
Doing the same workout every day can get boring quickly. To keep things interesting, mix up your routine. Try a new class at your gym, take your workout outside, or switch up your strength training routine, TRY NEW EQUIPMENT. Changing things up not only keeps you interested, but it can also challenge your body in new ways. For all my powerlifters out there, there is more equipment than the straight bar.

Find a Buddy
Having someone to exercise with can make a big difference in your motivation level. Not only does it make the workout more fun, but it also holds you accountable. Knowing that someone else is counting on you to show up can be a powerful motivator.

Reward Yourself
Setting up a reward system for yourself can be a great way to stay motivated. For example, if you work out consistently for a certain amount of time, treat yourself to a massage, a new workout outfit, a night out with friends, or my personal favorite, ice cream.

Make it a Habit
Making exercise a habit can help make it a natural part of your routine. Schedule your workouts at the same time every day, so it becomes a habit. Ever heard of the 21/90™ rule? It takes 21 days to create a habit and takes 90 days to make it a part of your lifestyle. The hardest thing to do is to start.

Track Your Progress
Keeping track of your progress can be a great motivator. Whether you're tracking your weight, the number of reps you can do, or how fast you can run a mile, seeing progress can be a powerful motivator. Whether you’re old school and keep a notebook log or posting on social media, track your progress and see how much improvement you have gone through over time.

PRO TIP: Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself:
Finally, it's important to remember that everyone has off days. If you miss a workout or have a bad day at the gym, don't beat yourself up over it. Instead, focus on the progress you've made and get back on track. At the end of the day, it’s YOU against YOU, remember why you started in the first place.

Coach Mike

Online Coach & Reel Videographer