I know from experience that sometimes it is hard to stay motivated to exercise. I have gotten in slumps before that have lasted longer than I would like to admit! I have come up with some ideas to try to help you stay motivated and get moving. These ideas have helped me get out of a slump, and hopefully they can help you too!
Workout Shoes
Keep your workout shoes in sight! This may seem odd but there is some truth in the saying- out of sight, out of mind. I have noticed that when my workout shoes are tossed in the back of my closest, I am less likely to think about going walking. However, when my workout shoes are out in the open, even just outside my closest, I am more likely to think about going for a spontaneous walk or hike.
Workout Clothes
Similar to workout shoes is having workout clothes in sight or at least picked out. For example, if I know I am going to workout tomorrow morning, I will pick out my clothes tonight. By doing this ahead of time, I avoid the stress of trying to find my favorite workout clothes right before a workout. If the sweat pants I want to wear aren’t clean I can wash them or find an alternative. The worse thing about getting ready to exercise when you are not feeling motivated is to have something that holds you up.
Taking a Class
Anytime I sign up for a workout class at a community center or college, I am almost guaranteed to make it every session. When you pay for a class and not show up, your money will go to waste. If there is a community center near you, sign-up for a weekly fitness class. You are more likely to attend a class if you have to pay for it.
Workout Buddy
Having a workout buddy can be a great way to stay motivated. If you make a plan to exercise with someone, you will most likely follow-through. Although every workout probably can’t be with a workout buddy, having a weekly or bi-monthly workout scheduled can keep you from getting into a major workout slump. I know for me there are some workouts I like to do solo such as running. However, as part of my exercise routine, it helps me to have a hike or tennis date on the days I need to do something less intense. Having a few workout buddies can help keep you out of a slump, especially when you find something that you really enjoy doing together. Making exercise fun with a friend is a great way to stay motivated.
Reward System
Reward systems can often be a great motivation. The reward can be something fitness related like new running shoes or buying songs to create a new playlist. Or it can be something totally unrelated to fitness like your spouse taking you on a day trip to your favorite place or going out for frozen yogurt. One thing I have done before was that if I met a certain number of days of exercise in a month, I treated myself to a new workout outfit.
It can be hard to get back into a routine again when you have been in a slump for awhile. Try out these ideas and just don’t give up! Even if it means going for a ten minute walk around the block, that is better than nothing!
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