We’ve all been there: the days when the thought of going to the gym feels overwhelming. Even the most dedicated fitness enthusiasts face moments of low motivation.
But the key to long-term success is pushing through those tough days. Here are some practical tips to help you get motivated when you don’t feel like hitting the gym.
1. Set Clear Goals
Having specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can give you a sense of direction and purpose. Whether it’s learning a new skill, lifting a specific amount of weight, or training for a competition/race, clear goals can help you keep going when you’re feeling stuck.
2. Create a Routine
Establishing a regular gym schedule can help make workouts a non-negotiable part of your day. Consistency builds habit, and once going to the gym becomes a part of your routine, it will feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of your day. It becomes a “this is just what we do” part of your life.
3. Find a Workout Buddy
Exercising with a friend can make workouts more enjoyable and hold you accountable. Knowing that someone else is counting on you can be a strong motivator to show up, even when you don’t feel like it. This is also why CrossFit works so well – having people expect to see you at your regular class time, including your coach, is good fuel to get you headed in when you’re not feeling it.
Feeling super stuck? Tell someone you’re meeting them and then make a deal with them for consequences if you don’t show – and make them painful consequences (like you will do 100 burpees or give them $50!).
4. Track Your Progress
Keeping a workout journal or using a fitness app to log your progress can be incredibly motivating. Seeing how far you’ve come can give you a sense of accomplishment and drive you to keep pushing forward. Make sure you regularly log your scores so you can see your growth over time!
5. Visualize Success
Spend a few minutes each day visualizing your goals and the benefits you’ll reap from staying consistent. Imagine how you’ll feel after a great workout or achieving a fitness milestone. Visualization can create a positive mindset and motivate you to take action.
6. Change Your Environment
Sometimes, a change of scenery can make a big difference. If you usually work out indoors, try exercising outside. If you’re always at the gym, consider a home workout or head to the pool. A new environment can reinvigorate your routine and boost your motivation.
7. Set Small, Achievable Goals
On days when motivation is low, set small, manageable goals. Instead of committing to a full hour at the gym, aim for a 10-minute workout. Often, just starting is the hardest part, and once you get going, you might find yourself completing a full workout.
Remember Your Whys
Reflect on why you started your fitness journey in the first place. Whether it’s for health, to feel stronger, or to achieve a specific goal (or all of the above), reconnecting with your whys can reignite your motivation and remind you of the bigger picture. Do this regularly, referencing progress pics to see your body change and your fitness log to see how much weight you’ve grown strong enough to lift!
Motivation can ebb and flow, but with the right strategies, you can push through those tough days and stay on track with your fitness goals.
Remember, every workout counts, no matter how small, and consistency is key to long-term success. Use these tips to reignite your motivation and keep moving forward on your fitness journey.
Get up, get moving, and enjoy the process!
💜 Want an extra layer of support – come join OUR amazing community and have coaches who help you stay on track, an all women’s community of badass female athletes, and fitness that never gets boring! Check out all our options HERE.