5 ways to motivate yourself to exercise
5 strategies to improve your motivation to exercise
As a personal trainer, one of the most common questions I get asked is, ‘how do I stay motivated to exercise?’
We’ve all been through it; we have a great week of training and healthy eating, then suddenly life ‘gets in the way’, and we push these good habits to the side.
If that sounds way too familiar, you’re not alone. Motivation is not linear. It constantly fluctuates and requires a little extra effort if you want it to stick around for the long haul.
One of my favourite sayings is that consistency is the key to success – and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to exercise.
Here are some strategies to improve motivation and create more consistency with exercise.
1. Try everything
Exercise is so much easier when you’re doing something that you find fun or enjoyable. Sound impossible? I assure you it’s not. Here’s a list of options you can work through until you find what’s best for you.
Boxing
Hiking
Mat Pilates or Yoga
Reformer Pilates
Team Sports
F45 or HIIT Training
One on one personal training or group training sessions
Take advantage of all the free class trials out there until you find your thing or things.
2. Mix things up
Variety is so important when it comes to a fitness routine. Some people find something they love (as mentioned above) and do it on repeat seven days a week until they become bored and no longer mentally or physically stimulated by the exercise.
To stop this from happening, I suggest scheduling your favourite exercise for a maximum of four days a week. For the other three days, try something completely different.
For example: Monday – Boxing class, Tuesday – Online strength session, Wednesday – Boxing class, Thursday – Slow 30-minute jog, Friday – Boxing class, Saturday – Rest Day (take the dogs for a 60-minute walk), Sunday – Run or yoga depending on how the body feels.
3. Schedule your workouts in
If there’s one tip to take away from this blog, it’s to schedule your workouts into your diary each week. I do this every Monday without fail. Jot it in as if it’s a meeting with yourself and stick to it. If you’re taking classes, book them in at the start of the week so that you’re locked in.
It’s okay to have rest days throughout the week, but I suggest making them active recovery and scheduling them in too. Remember, consistency is key. Your active recovery days can be a walk with a friend, a slow yoga or stretching session - anything that keeps your body moving without the intensity!
4. Find an accountability buddy
If you have a history of cancelling your workout plans, find yourself an accountability buddy or someone to work out with. You’re less likely to cancel your exercise plans if it means you’re letting someone else down. Plus, exercise tends to be more fun when you’re doing it with a friend.
5. Set realistic goals
Setting goals is a great motivational tool, but if there’s one thing that can tear down self-esteem and set you up for failure, it’s an impossible goal. Instead, make realistic goals and, please, throw away your scales.
Base your progress on how you feel instead of how much you weigh. If you are trying to lose weight, use your clothes as a measurement instead of your scales. This is because there are so many factors that can influence the number we see on scales, such as muscle mass, water consumption and menstruation.
Try using a fitness journal to keep track of your progress, mood, and any changes you notice throughout your journey.
I hope these tips help you build a fitness routine that you truly enjoy and benefit from. Don’t forget, motivation fluctuates. Some days will be harder than others, but consistency is the key to success, so keep on moving.
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Brooke Jowett
Brooke Jowett is a qualified fitness professional and popular media personality, best known for her appearance in Australian Survivor, All Stars 2020. Most recognised for her physical efforts during the challenge component of the game, she has grown a strong social engagement over the past few years with followers seeking inspiration from her physical and mental determination. With qualifications in health science and personal training, Brooke combines her academic knowledge with personal insights when sharing her health and wellness messaging and guidance. For Brooke, it’s also about creating a positive attitude, stepping out of your comfort zone and enjoying the lighter side of life. Brooke loves travelling, spending time outdoors with her dogs and spoiling her niece and nephew. She recently launched her own sustainable activewear range for women, JRSY celebrates women of all shapes and sizes while working towards building a more sustainable future.