Finding the right exercises to suit your needs is only part of the battle of getting in shape. You also need to have the necessary motivation to get out of bed and get yourself into the gym. You might be tired from work or just not feeling the need to push yourself. However, there are some tried and true methods that will help get you ready and energized to work out.
Create a Specific Goal
You can’t just go into the gym and think “I’m here to get in shape.” You need specific and measurable goals if you’re going to find success in your motivation. Think about specific events that you want to train for like a 5k or an amount of weight that you would like to reach. When you set a goal that you want to meet, it’s easier to visualize your success while you’re exercising. Write it down, keep it in your phone, and remind yourself of your goal often as recommended by Fitnessator.
Make a Routine
Another thing that you have to do if you’re going to be successful in maintaining motivation is setting a routine. You want to keep going back on the same days and at the same times if possible. You want that spot of time in your day to be completely planned and spoken for so that it feels like something is off if you miss a day. Your mindset will be shaped by this routine, and it will make it easier to win that mental fight to go in and get a workout.
Have Some Liquid Courage
If you’re low on energy, you might talk yourself out of going to the gym. That’s why you need some liquid courage in the form of a pre-workout mix. You’ll get a surge of energy that will make you feel ready to run a marathon or lift a mountain of weight. Most of them are rather tasty, too, so you get a double bonus.
Bring in the Buddy System
Having a sense of accountability is almost necessary to finding success at the gym, and another person can increase your level of accountability. Make a workout date that includes them on the days you really don’t want to go, and they’ll help drag your sorry self out of the house and into the gym. Choose a disciplined friend, though, not someone that is going to feed your worst ambitions.
Vary Your Workouts
The final way that you can increase your overall motivation is by varying your workouts. Nobody likes to do the same thing every day or even every week. Sure, keep your leg workouts on Monday and chest and triceps on Tuesday, and so on. However, try incline benching, dumbbell presses, and other different exercises that work the same groups to keep things interesting!
As you can see, there are many different ways that you can become properly motivated to go to the gym. You have to make sure that you are setting yourself up for success with the exercises you plan to do as well as who you do them with. Keep yourself on track and bring in friends if you need to. With these things in mind, you’ll be a much more dedicated gym-goer.