How do you stay motivated to workout consistently? I get asked this question a lot whenever I tell people I work out at least 2-5 days a week for over a year. To be honest, I give the same answer every single time. Motivation is temporary, it comes and goes. Some days I’ll watch a workout video to get me out of bed and into the gym. Other days, I have to put on a cute gym outfit to motivate me. Anyways, I don’t always have the motivation to workout and don’t expect yourself to either. If you’re new to working out, at home or at the gym, and you want to know the secret to staying “motivated”, then keep on reading 🙂
The secret is creating healthy habits.
On average it takes 21 days to form a new habit. However, it takes an average of 66 days to make that habit a routine. You see all those fitness influencers on Instagram and Youtube constantly working out weekly? Well, it’s because they made it a healthy routine. And you can too.
So how do I get the motivation to continue or start a new habit?
Well, ask yourself the questions below. These will be the questions you remind yourself when you feel “unmotivated”
- What is my fitness goal? (ex: weight loss, weight gain, stay fit, etc)
- Why do I want to achieve these results? ^ (ex: for self-esteem, etc)
- Am I willing to put in the effort and discipline?
- Do I have time?
- Am I paying $$ for a gym membership or using at home equipment?
- How does working out make me feel? Happy?
After you asked yourself these questions, you’ll be more inclined to go the gym. We all want to see results but only those with discipline can see them. Whenever you feel slumped, remind yourself the first question, “what is my fitness goal?”. Do not compare yourself to other people’s progress or goals. This is your journey and your new lifestyle. If you’re paying for a gym membership, remind yourself how much you pay monthly to be there. You paid to workout, so get your moneys worth. Everyone has the discipline to workout. It’s about forcing yourself to get out of your comfort zone to reach your goals.
Let’s talk about Time
Time is a tricky topic, a lot of people tell me they don’t have time to workout. I don’t believe this. Have you heard of the saying, “you make time for what you want”?, Well it’s true. How badly do you want to see progress? Are you willing to put in the work to see results? Time is just an excuse. Do not be that person who says, “I don’t have time”, well then, you make time. If getting fit isn’t your goal, don’t blame time for it. Instead say, “I’m not interested in pursuing my fitness goal(s) right now”. You’d be surprised how much time you actually have when you schedule at least an hour for something you enjoy.
How to start making time
You can make time even if you struggle with time management. If you carry a heavy load with work, family, school, etc, then start with 1 day a week for 30 minutes doing any form of physical activity. You don’t have to force yourself to start working out 4-5 days a week. A simple 30 mins 3x a week is also a good place to start. This could be a simple walk or jog around your neighbourhood. If you can do this consistently for a 2-3 weeks then start to add in a second or third day of the week. Repeat again and then increase the duration to 1 hour sessions. This slow progress makes a steady, consistent and lasting routine.
After you’ve established your physical activity sessions at least 3x a week for 1-2 months, it’ll become a habit. So after two months of dedication and discipline, you won’t be relying on motivation because its part of your weekly routine. Everybody you know who works out consistently and whom you look up to for inspiration have made working out their routine. This was how majority of them started.
Remember
Always listen to your body. If you are sore and lethargic, take a rest day. Lifting weights is not for everyone. At the end of the day if you love going to the gym for a good sweat, keep going. Hate it? Stop going, but find a different physical activity to keep you fit. If lifting weights makes you happy, and seeing the results, then count that towards your motivation. Do things that make you happy and you won’t make excuses about not enough time. Focus on yourself and your goals. The only person you are competing with is yourself.
Thank you for reading this far. I hope you keep my few pointers in mind the next time you feel unmotivated to workout. Remember why you started is always key to getting you focused again.
Be sure to check back on my blog for more fitness content!