As we’ve discussed in previous posts, you don’t need any special equipment to be physically fit – just your own body. Unfortunately, that means you can also use your own body as an excuse not to exercise! When you find yourself lacking motivation to get off the couch or out of bed, here are 10 mental tricks to help you stay motivated to exercise
1) Mindset is Everything
If you want to get in shape and stay in shape, you need to have the right mindset. First, you need to believe that it’s possible for you to reach your fitness goals. Second, you need to be willing to put in the work required to reach those goals. Third, you need to be patient and consistent with your efforts. Fourth, you need to enjoy the process of getting fit. Fifth, and most importantly, you need to have faith in yourself.
2) Start with Small Wins
Whenever you’re feeling unmotivated to exercise, it can help to start with small wins. Instead of trying to tackle a daunting workout routine all at once, commit to something manageable that you know you can stick with. Just a few minutes of movement each day can make a big difference in your overall health and fitness levels. And as you start seeing results from your efforts, you’ll be more likely to stay motivated and keep going.
3) Recognize the Bigger Picture
When it comes to working out, we often get caught up in the here and now. We think about how hard the workout is, how sweaty we are, and how much we just want to be done. But if we can step back and recognize the bigger picture, it can be a lot easier to stay motivated.
4) Trust Your Ego
You might think that working out is all about self-control and pushing yourself to your limits. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is listen to your body and ego. After all, they’re usually the ones who know what you’re capable of. Trusting your ego will help you stay motivated to exercise because you’ll be more likely to listen to your body when it tells you to rest or push harder.
5) Don’t Leave Yourself Open to Failure
It’s easy to come up with excuses not to exercise: you’re too busy, it’s too hot outside, you don’t have the right clothes or equipment. But if you don’t want to fail at getting in shape, it’s important to nip those excuses in the bud.
6) Reward Yourself For Each Successful Attempt
When it comes to getting motivated to exercise, one of the best things you can do is reward yourself for each successful attempt. This doesn’t mean buying yourself a new car after every workout, but rather something small and manageable that will act as a positive reinforcement. For example, you could allow yourself to watch an extra half hour of television after completing a difficult workout, or treat yourself to a new pair of shoes after reaching a new personal best.
7) Remind Yourself of All the Good Things Exercise Does for You
Exercise isn’t just about losing weight or getting in shape. It’s also about improving your mood, reducing stress, and giving yourself more energy. So next time you’re feeling unmotivated to hit the gym, remind yourself of all the benefits exercise has to offer.
8) Enjoy What You Do
One of the best ways to stay motivated to exercise is to find an activity that you truly enjoy. Whether it’s playing tennis, going for a swim, or taking a yoga class, if you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll be more likely to stick with it.
9) Spend Time With Those Who Support Your Goals
We are the company we keep, and if we surround ourselves with those who support our healthy habits, it makes it that much easier to stay on track. Find a workout buddy or join a group fitness class to help stay accountable. Plan social activities around physical activity, like hiking or playing tennis instead of going out for drinks. And finally, be sure to celebrate your successes along the way – no matter how small they may seem!
10) Be Patient
If you’re trying to get into the habit of exercising regularly, be patient with yourself. It takes most people several weeks or even months to develop a new habit. So don’t get discouraged if you miss a few workouts here and there. Just keep at it and eventually it will become second nature.