Motivation doesn’t come naturally, as it’s about mindset. If you want to know how to get motivated to exercise, follow some of these tips!
Motivation. Ah, yes. That one word can make or break the frequency of when you work out and how you achieve your dream body. If you’ve wanted to learn how to get motivated to exercise for some time now, first know that it’s not going to be easy.
Achieving a fit body, no matter your fitness goals, won’t happen overnight. There isn’t some secret answer to how to get motivated to exercise. You just get up and start.
At one point, we’ve all looked in the mirror and not liked what we see – all of us want to look good and feel good.
We want washboard abs and toned legs that seem to stretch on forever in perfect definition. But hardly any of us ever do something to achieve those dreams. [Read: Ways to love your body, no matter its size]
How to get motivated to exercise
Take a good look at yourself. Are you happy with the body you see in the mirror? Getting the motivation to exercise is all in your head. If you make up your mind to stick to an exercise regime and a healthy lifestyle, you’ll feel better, look sexier, and live a lot longer.
If you want to know how to get motivated to exercise, you need to understand the power of acceptance. A cigarette smoker will never quit unless they realize how badly their lungs are damaged. [Read: How to stop lying to yourself]
And similarly, an overweight or obese person will never get motivated to exercise unless they realize that they have a serious problem in dealing with their weight. Like anything in life, you can’t achieve results if you don’t consistently work for them first.
Learn to accept your flaws. Acceptance is the first step to motivation.
Also, you need to actually like working out to learn how to get motivated to work out. While your physical aspect is the driving force, you can make it something you enjoy doing, especially since exercise is also good for your mental health and wellbeing. [Read: Tips to love yourself more]
The real truth about motivation
Motivation isn’t something you naturally wake up with and have. It’s something you choose.
You don’t wake up with your first thought being, “I want to work out.” Rather, it’s your dedication and drive to your fitness goals that allow you to get up and start exercising. This is why you’ll never find the secret equation to learning how to get motivated to exercise.
You get motivation because of your mindset and because you push yourself to start exercising. You’ll often find that during the first few minutes of your workout, you’ll notice the motivation you’re looking for to keep going. [Read: Benefits of exercise on your mind, body, and libido]
The most important secrets and tips to get motivated to work out
Yes, working out is hard. In fact, it can feel like a gargantuan task to start. But what you have to understand is that all you need is just a few months of exercise to battle all those years of bad diets and high calories you’ve consumed mindlessly.
Wouldn’t you love your physique if you could work out for under an hour a day, eat healthily and look like a million bucks in several months? Isn’t it worth it? Isn’t all that confidence, sex appeal, and those defined cheekbones worth the effort?
If you’re looking for ways to get motivated to exercise, here are 28 tips that can help you get motivated and stick to your workout all the way. [Read: How gaining weight affects your relationship with others]
1. Answer this big question truthfully
Don’t you want to look good? Why are you holding yourself back from achieving your full potential? All you need are a few sacrifices that may eventually develop into a positive addiction that will favor you in every possible manner.
Realize that nothing good ever comes easy. If you want to learn how to get motivated to work out, hold on to your reasons.
2. Pick up an old pair of jeans
It’s always easy to see how time and bad eating habits have affected us by just picking up an old pair of now-tight jeans. Try fitting into your favorite pair of jeans and make up your mind to fit comfortably back into them.
If you want to fit into these jeans again, you already know what you should do. [Read: Women with curves – 20 ways you changed all women for the better]
3. Look at your old snaps
Almost all the time, you’ll have a more defined face, higher cheekbones, and a sexier body in your old photographs.
If you’re wondering how to get motivated to work out, this is your sign. These before-and-after photos should be adequate in giving you the push you need to start exercising.
4. Don’t change your life overnight
Look, progress doesn’t happen overnight. It’ll be easier to go back into your old habits and relapse if you work out excessively. Don’t ever overdo your exercise regime. Start slow and spend a few weeks warming up to this new lifestyle change.
If you try too hard too fast, chances are, you’ll burn out and hate working out in no time. Instead, try to be consistent with your routine and take it from there. [Read: How to change your life – easy steps for a dramatic life makeover]
5. Watch a few before and after videos on Youtube
There are so many proud fitness YouTubers who didn’t all start out looking like Greek gods and goddesses who’ve uploaded their videos and stories online. Watch them and inspire yourself.
You’ll find so many fitness testimonies and progress videos that will show you results are possible through dedication and hard work. It took years of consistent habits for them to achieve those bodies, and it all started when they decided to do something. [Read: Self-concept – how we create and develop it to control our happiness]
6. Don’t expect magical results
This is a big mistake that most people come to face when they begin a new workout. They work out for 30 days and expect miracles. Seriously, you piled all that weight over several years. Do you really expect all of that to vanish in four weeks?
If you want to know the secret to how to get motivated to work out, one month of progress isn’t enough. You need consistent habits, and you shouldn’t just stop after a month. [Read: How to look sexy without trying to look sexy]
7. Pick up a calorie counter
Even a sugar-coated donut can pack in several hundred calories. While you don’t really have to avoid all foods you like, it will feel good to watch your calories burn away as you work out.
Strapping on a heart rate monitor and calorie counter watch while exercising will always motivate you to burn more calories. Whether it’s an Apple Watch or something that calculates the calories you burn, it feels motivating to see you’ve burned that much in just a few minutes!
8. Buy a dress that’s two to four sizes smaller
Start exercising once every week – on your rest day – try putting your dress on and see if it fits better. A few months down the line, you’ll see that your once-tight dress feels perfect.
Just imagine how you’ll look in that dress once you wear it at that party! Use this as your motivation to get started on your fitness goals and lose those pounds. [Read: The clothes make the girl – 15 tips to get you looking your best]
9. Get a workout buddy
A workout buddy can do wonders for your motivation to exercise. Not only will you push one another, but there’ll also be a lot of competition in the air to look fitter than the other person.
The best part about this is that a workout buddy holds you accountable. It’s challenging to hold ourselves responsible, which is why having a workout buddy can massively benefit you. Not to mention, it’s fun to work out with someone!
10. Show off your results to people that matter
If you find yourself getting slimmer or more buffed, stand in front of the mirror and share your thoughts with a loved one. Sometimes, all you need is someone else to notice your improvements to feel better and become more motivated to exercise.
If you want to learn how to get motivated to exercise, show off your results, and be proud of your hard work! [Read: 16 do’s and don’ts to make your boyfriend want you more]
11. Take before and after pictures
Start off by taking a before picture of yourself. And once you start exercising, take a new set of pictures every month. Give it a few months for the changes to kick in, and compare your photos.
Chances are, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see the new you. You’ll want to keep going with the results you’re seeing in your body!
12. Eat healthily
Eat more. Stock up your refrigerator with fresh fruits and vegetables. You’ll feel lighter after every single meal. Also, your skin will be glowing and radiant in just a couple of weeks. Isn’t that worth the effort?
Your progress consists of a combination of nutrition and exercise, with nutrition comprising the majority. So be intentional with healthy eating if you want to learn how to get motivated to work out. [Read: Can’t shed pounds? Here are the reasons why!]
13. Don’t go on crash diets
Many love a crash diet when they see one. But all a crash diet does is starve your body of calories and nutrients. Instead of losing your fat, you’ll end up breaking down your muscles and shrinking them. Your body will go into starvation mode and save all the fat instead of burning it down when you exercise.
So rather than trying all the crash diets you see, stick to eating healthily and mindfully. Yes, a crash diet will help you lose weight, but not in a healthy way.
14. Watch and work out
Cardio workout videos are the best kind to burn your fat without beefing you up. If your intention is to lose weight and look toned and ripped, watch a few workout videos and follow the steps.
Watching the fitness experts will motivate you to look lean and fit, just like they do. So if you want to learn how to get motivated to exercise, watch several exercise workout videos to inspire you. [Read: How to feel sexy and desirable all the time]
15. Plan for big events
Commit to preparing yourself for a big event that may come up in a few months, like a wedding or a reunion. But give yourself at least four to six months to see a better transformation. Results don’t happen overnight!
16. Choose a great playlist
For some people, good music can help motivate and energize them during a workout. Pick an adrenalin-inducing workout playlist, push play and work your butt off.
There’s no better feeling than those endorphins while you’re sweating to your favorite playlist. Choose one that gives you the energy to get the most out of your workout! [Read: Moving on! Upbeat songs to get over your lost love]
17. Mark your calendar
Motivate yourself by marking the number of days you work out by crossing out the days when you completed a perfect full workout. It’ll definitely push you further to exercise harder and more regularly.
Consistency is key in learning how to get motivated to exercise. The more days you check off your calendar, the more you want to keep going with your workout routine.
18. Switch up your workouts
Too much of the same thing can become boring. Buy a few workout DVDs and switch between them every few weeks. It’ll help your body get an all-around workout and avoid any chances of you getting bored of the repetitive exercises.
And you’ll also be excited to try new exercises all the time. It’ll be great to add even just a little variety to your workouts. In fact, instead of doing cardio all day, you could also add a little bit of weight training as that also helps you lose fat. [Read: Kegel exercises – Why both men and women should do it]
19. Buy attractive workout attire
Working out is all in the head, but when you look good while working out, you’ll work harder to get rid of those problem areas.
It’s a great feeling to wear activewear you feel and look good in, as it motivates you to keep going toward your fitness goals. Don’t underestimate the power of buying cute activewear to keep you motivated!
Online communities can be a great help when it comes to motivating you to exercise. After all, there are several other people in your community who experience the same problems as you. Share your issues, get inspired, motivate each other, and grow as individuals.
There are so many online fitness communities you can find on Facebook. This way, you’ll keep one another accountable for your goals. [Read: Laptops and their shocking impact on your health]
21. Measure yourself
Don’t always weigh yourself. Weighing yourself may seem like the right thing to do to see success, but more often than not, using a measuring tape can reveal better results. One pound of muscle takes less space than one pound of fat.
On regular weight checks, you may weigh the same because your fat is being burned and replaced by muscle, which may discourage you. Instead, measure your body in different areas, and you’ll see how much you have shrunk in less than a few months. [Read: How to be perfect in everything you do]
22. Find a way to enjoy exercise
Look, exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. As much as your primary motivation is losing all those pounds, you should enjoy it as well. A great way to do that is to find a workout you enjoy doing.
Do you love dancing? Biking? Swimming? Running? Or maybe you enjoy lifting weights? These are all great options for cardio and losing weight!
23. Remove guilt from the equation
When it comes to your fitness goals, guilt will always act against you. It’s the reason why every time you eat that cookie or chocolate cake, you’ll try to counter it by working out excessively or starving yourself the next day. Why? It’s because you feel guilty.
But you need to realize just like it took a few weeks to lose weight, you also can’t gain weight in just a day. It’s why you need a sustainable approach when it comes to both nutrition and exercise. [Read: The first day and kinds of people you’ll see at a gym]
24. Start gradually
Just as you can’t get results overnight, you also can’t start with an intense workout right away. Especially if you’re a beginner or you haven’t worked out in a significant period, you need to start slowly.
It’s not advisable to start with an intense workout on day one as it might be too much for you. If you really want to learn how to get motivated to exercise, start with 10 minutes and make your way from there.
25. Include exercise into your routine
You’ll only like working out once you include it in your daily routine. Some people prefer working out in the morning as it’s when they have the most energy before heading to work.
In comparison, others prefer working out at night as that’s when they have the most time. Whatever time you choose, what’s important is that you incorporate it into your daily routine. [Read: Couple workouts – The best ways to get fitter and feel closer]
26. Find the right ambiance
You don’t always have to work out at the gym if you don’t want to. The key to learning how to get motivated to work out is to choose the right ambiance for you and yourself alone.
So if you love working out at the gym and think it’s for you, great! If you prefer working out at home, that is also great! This also plays a part in the exercise as not everyone is a gym person, and that’s okay [Read: Meeting a guy at the gym: 8 essential dos and don’ts]
Are you feeling motivated to work out?
You’ll find that motivation is a state of mind and not something you have automatically. You get motivated when you hold on to your reasons for working out, be it losing weight or feeling good about yourself.
Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore, but it can be a way of life and something you enjoy.
[Read: How to be confident – 28 life hacks to transform your future forever]
If you’re looking for ways to get inspired and motivated, just use these tips on how to get motivated to exercise. You’ll be a step closer to achieving your fitness goals with even just a few.
