5 ways to motivate yourself to workout when you’re just not feeling it

Years ago, I wasn’t bothered about exercise or working out, I mean I did the odd workout DVD, who hasn’t? but nothing major. After my cancer diagnosis I felt it more important than ever to keep fit and keep my body as healthy as possible. I think the fear of cancer coming back again kind of gave me the kick to start exercising properly to be honest.

My journey with fitness has been like a rollercoaster, a lot of highs and lows but I still enjoy every workout I do. Even though I love the physical aspect of working out I think the mental part is even more important. Going for a run by myself to clear my head is one of my favourite things to do. You can’t beat that feeling after you’ve finished a workout, even if you didn’t feel good during the accomplishment you feel when you’ve finished is something else and to find out you’ve beaten your personal best is even better.

I feel like the hardest part is always finding the willpower and motivation to actually go for a run or start a workout, especially in the winter as it’s so much colder. There’s always temptation to stay on the sofa watching TV or make any other excuse you can think of BUT if you’re lacking motivation to get your workout clothes on and get yourself down to the gym, here’s some tips which may help you.

How to stay motivated..

Set yourself a goal.

I was this is a very obvious one but it’s one that makes you motivated every time you’re struggling. For me, setting myself goals really helped at the times I was struggling, it honestly really pushed me to reach for that goal. I know when I first signed up to a race I was so scared I wasn’t going to be ready but once your signed up you have no excuse to not go and train, I didn’t want to fail so it really pushed me to get out and workout. Every time you workout you get closer and closer that your goal so KEEP GOING. Also, having motivational quotes on your phone or wall at home will help!

Schedule a regular workout time.

I think it’s very important to set yourself  a day and time to go for a workout whether it’s at the gym or just a run. Obviously things happen so don’t be too strict but it definitely helps keep you on track. I run with a group of people every Thursday at 7pm and even though it’s now dark and freezing cold, I actually enjoy it when I start! It doesn’t force me to workout it just gets me into a routine which I definitely think helps motivate me.

Join a group workout.

Working out with friends or other people can be a great way of keeping motivated and not giving up. When i’m working out at the gym or running I’m more likely to stop when I’m struggling. As I mentioned above I’m part of a running group so having people to run with helps massively. You can motivate each other, have a chat and just generally be there for one another. Normally when I run by myself I always run faster than what I need to and then my breathing goes and that’s when I’m more likely to give up but when I’m in a group I’m more comfortable and just generally enjoy it more which is actually weird because I like being in my own company..

Track your progress.

One thing I normally do now is write down my progress, it’s always good to see how far you’ve come. As I’ve just signed up for a couple of 10K’s in the new year, I’ll be running as much as possible before then. I always like to see my progress so if I run 7K one week then 8K the next I’ll always see what time and pace then try to beat it next time. It amazing to see your progress from when you first started and then hopefully you’ll be more likely to go and start a workout as you will want to beat last weeks time. It’s always a great motivator.

Buy new workout clothes.

I know for me when I buy new gym clothes it always helps get my motivation back. I mean gym clothes aren’t cheap are they, especially good trainers. I try to buy new gear when I’m lacking motivation and it really does give me that little boost to get back to it! It always helps me get out of a rut. I’m eyeing up some Gymshark items right now..

How do you keep yourself motivated to workout?

You can find me over on instagram, why not have a little scroll while you’re there? 

Find my last blog post here. 

You can also subscribe via WordPress or email to catch more of my posts.