It’s hard to find motivation. Climbing out of bed hours before work starts sounds dreadful, and the couch looks so cozy after you get home from a long day.
But it’s willpower and determination that will keep you going back to the gym day after day. Being consistent with your workout regimen is extremely important if you want to see results.
Here are 10 tips to help keep you motivated and coming back for more.
1. GRAB A PARTNER
Having someone to meet for leg day at 6 a.m. or for a 6 p.m. Zumba class almost forces you to go. You know they’ll be there waiting on you, and you don’t want to disappoint them or miss out. If you have trouble remembering or getting up, have them send you a reminder text.
2. PREPARE AHEAD
Pack your gym clothes and sneakers in a bag and place it in your car the night before you have to go to work. At this point, you have zero excuses.
3. LACE UP
If you put your workout clothes on, chances are you will do something productive. Whether it be going to the gym, taking a walk or just getting more done around the house, you’ll find something to do.
4. STAY HYDRATED
Dehydration makes you tired and causes headaches, which leads you straight to the couch or bed. Make sure you get plenty of H2O, and cut out the soda.
5. REWARD YOURSELF
You’re working hard and feeling great, but you’re starting to lose motivation. Purchase a new playlist of songs, or a new shirt. Sometimes even just the smallest rewards will keep you excited to work out.
6. CREATE CHALLENGES
It gets boring doing the same workout routine week after week, month after month. Try something new and outside the box. Pick something you normally wouldn’t do, and give it a chance. You might be surprised at the outcome.
7. INVEST IN A TRAINER
This replaces your partner in tip No. 1, except for the facts that we will set up everything for you, walk you through each exercise and tell you exactly what you need to do, rep by rep. Then, we will see what you’re capable of and get an understanding of how hard we can push you, based on your level of strength and endurance. We work with beginner clients all the way up to professional bodybuilders.
8. COUNT SHEEP
When our phones get low on battery, we run to the charger. Think of your body as the phone and your bed as the charger. We have to restore our mental alertness, as well as allow our muscles to recover and repair while in a resting state.
9. EAT RIGHT
This is so important. Eating the right portions of healthy foods will allow your body to not only recover better, but perform better. You will notice quickly how eating healthier foods will lead to results. A flatter belly or tighter arms will create instant motivation.
10. FIND INSPIRATION
Grab a fitness magazine with a new workout routine or hang a photo of yourself on your bathroom mirror from a time you felt your best. Tell friends on social media you’re doing a challenge. This is also difficult to back out of, as they will ask how your progress is going.
Heather Dykstra is an AFAA-certified personal trainer and has been a group fitness instructor for over 13 years. She is currently involved with the Plant City Family YMCA.