How many times did you say you will go to the gym after work, but end up trudging straight home for a night of Netflix? Everyone has days where they’re just not feeling it: time can be scarce, especially if you’ve got kids to look after. But, we’re here to tell you that it’s time to break those mental barriers and get motivated! We’ve rounded up five tips to help you stay on track.
Build anticipation
To get yourself pumped for the gym, build anticipation! But how to do that if you don’t feel motivated? The key is to set a date in the future and get excited about the date you’ve scheduled. Just seeing it marked on your calendar will give you a psychological boost of motivation. Make the date important so it’ll always be on the back of your mind. In the meantime, write out your long-term fitness goals. In doing so, you’re building anticipation, increasing your focus and motivation for the gym.
Bring your exercise gear to work
When you bring your gym essentials to work, you’re giving yourself a visual reminder that you’re committed to exercising. You’re giving yourself no excuse not go to the gym after work as planned. You also won’t have to stop off at home and have a ten-minute inner discussion about whether you should go to the gym or not. For even more motivation, change into your exercise clothes before you leave the office!
Create a rule
It’s important you set yourself rules to keep your motivation in check. For example, you could make a rule that you have to go to the gym 3 times a week without fail. That way, exercising after work will become a habit and second nature. Another option could be to commit to going to the gym for a month, then afterward, commit for two months and so forth. This will motivate you to reach your target, but make sure to reward yourself when goals are achieved.
Make your workouts fun
There are so many ways you can make working out fun. If you hate running, join a Zumba class. It’s cardio but with a fun twist and it doesn’t involve using a treadmill! Look for new exercises you can do with the gym equipment. Another option could be to get a friend to join you at the gym. Exercising with a friend is incredibly motivating because you’ll be doing an activity with someone you like spending time with. Also, you’ll know your friend is counting on you to be at the gym, so you’ll feel more accountable.
Focus on the benefits
Exercise should never be viewed as a chore and you shouldn’t ever let failure cross your mind. Once you start thinking negatively, you’re going to start making excuses. Always focus on the benefits that working out can do for you in the long-run. A few of these benefits include less stress, better sleep, and improved overall health.
There’s no excuse not to keep fit, so we hope these tips help you stay motivated!
Related Articles:
