6 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work Out

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It was a dark and stormy January night. Tamara desperately wanted to crawl under her favorite blanket and hide from the world, just one more night...instead of working out.


When winter hits and the days seem so short, I really need extra motivation to go to the gym or even just to get out of the house. Here are some things to try if you too could use a boost.

1. Make it Easy

Find a gym that is close by or an activity that is easy to commit to. I found that my gym, which wasn’t near my work, was very hard for me to get to after work when it was dark and rainy outside. So, I quit that gym and found one that was closer to work. I've made it harder to come up with excuses for not going. Is your workout location convenient? If it isn’t, consider finding a gym or doing activities that are easier to get to.

2. Change it Up

One minute, I’m into Zumba, the next I’m running, and then I’m working out at home using exercise videos. It’s ok to change up your workout routine if you get bored, like to try new things, or just need a change. I used to think that I had to stick with the same workout schedule and routine, but I like variety and trying new activities keeps me motivated. What do you like to do? Do you like scheduled and routine or spontaneous and varied? Ensure your workout routine takes this into account.

3. Text and Encourage

I have several What’s App groups with various people with whom I share my workout progress. This helps keep me accountable as well as provides a source of positive encouragement. Find a friend or group of friends with whom you can share your health goals. Check in regularly with your group and let them know when you are struggling so they can support and persuade you to keep going. You can also look for workout apps that help you connect with family and friends.

4. Challenge Each Other

If you have a competitive side, look for ways to challenge your friends and make working out fun. There are many workout apps that can help you do this. Just google “workout apps for competition“ or “workout apps to challenge your friends.”

If you have a Fitbit and use the Fitbit app, you can challenge your friends to different walking goals. Karl, for example, has had weekly walking challenges with friends located in Washington, Nevada, and Oregon, for years. This motivates him incredibly to get his steps in and not be last on the leaderboard.

For the last few years, Karl and I have participated in a cardio challenge that starts in January. Everyone pays $100 to join and has 4 months to meet their personal cardio goal. If you make it, you get your $100 back plus a share from those who didn’t make it. The cardio goal, at a minimum, is to workout 30 minutes a day, but you can commit to more, and if you do, you are on the hook for that goal. You can also do your cardio whenever you want, for example, two hours of cardio one day and then none for the next few days, etc. For our big group, which spans Canada and the US, one person collects the money via online methods and distributes the spoils at the end. We also have a shared Google spreadsheet that people use to track their workouts.

Now, I challenge you. Create your own cardio challenge with your friends and have some kind of reward at the end that keeps everyone in the game.


5. Sign Up for an Event


Ok, you can do the ‘ol “I’m going to go to the gym 3x a week and lose 10 lbs by June” type of goal. But, how about trying an event goal where you can focus on getting in shape for an event, like a 5k walk or run, a bike ride, an obstacle course, or a yoga retreat.

You don’t even have to go far to find these events. Last September, Karl and I did a K9 5k Walk/Run in our local park. It was great and a bit crazy with all the dogs! The event raised money for the police K9 training program and it was wonderful to meet people in our community. Find an event you like, sign up for it, and then use that to motivate you to get ready for it. When finished the event, celebrate and then sign up for another one.


6. One Last Idea...Walk to Connect

Well, Karl and I just got back from a 2-hour walk around our neighborhood. I have to say, there is nothing like a good walk, not only for the exercise but to connect without the distraction of things to do at home. With walking, you just walk and talk. Maybe for you exercising isn’t something you like doing, but do you like talking? Find someone you need to connect with and suggest going for a walk.

  


All the best! Let me know what works for you.

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