You know you should be working out today but you just cannot get yourself going. You think to yourself "maybe I can just skip today and start tomorrow.....or next week.....or after the new year". Or perhaps you do regularly workout but you're struggling with getting today's workout in. This is a reality for so many of us. Getting motivated to get a workout in is just so hard sometimes and we've all been there.
So how do you get yourself started when you can't get yourself started? Here's some tips that may help you get going.
1. PUT IT DOWN ON PAPER: Write down your intentions and make it your goal. For example: I intend to commit to getting healthy and fit. Decide in advance which days will be your workout days. Putting it down on paper makes it a real appointment. Remind yourself to always keep your appointments to yourself.
2. SET REALISTIC GOALS: Let's face it, any form of exercise is way tougher than all of the things you could dream of doing instead. If you are just getting started on your workout journey, m
ake sure today's plan is not overwhelming. Start by giving yourself an obtainable goal and a reasonable # of days to commit to working out. Try planning a timed workout (20 minutes) instead. Remember, 20 minutes of something is better than an hour of nothing.
3. PUT YOUR SNEAKERS ON: This is really the hardest and most significant step. While you are thinking about how you would rather be hanging on the couch, put your workout clothes on. Just the motion of getting geared up can get you motivated to get to your workout started and having the right gear on will help increase your range of motion.
4. CREATE A MIX: Have a playlist of your favorite music to move to. Play that music while you are getting dressed in your gear. Listening to music eases exercise in three ways: It distracts you from fatigue, it encourages coordination, and it relaxes your muscles to encourage bloodflow. If you prefer, try a book on tape.
5. START SLOW: Never underestimate the significance of the warmup. You should not be at full workout pace right at the beginning. Use the first 3-5 minutes to ease into the workout by doing the movement at a slower pace. This is especially helpful if you are thinking "I really don't want to be doing this".
6. EMBRACE THE MOMENT: Take a moment, breath, and look at you go! Often in the first few minutes of my workout (after I've spent endless effort trying to talk myself out of this workout) I think to myself "wow! I am actually doing this! And I feel ok!". Take in the scenery of the outdoors or the space that you are in and take credit for what you are accomplishing. Remember: this moment is all about you and you've earned this time for yourself.
7. BRAG: Talk about your accomplishment. Tell friends, family, co-workers that you worked and let them in on your intention to do it again that week. Letting others in on your plan makes you less likely to skip your workout as others can help hold you accountable. Also, you just may be the motivation that gets someone else started on their workout.
8. WORST CASE SCENARIO: Dance it out!!! Turn on the music and just move!! Maybe this isn't the workout you planned but doing anything for 20-30 minutes still accomplishes a goal!!
No one ever said it was going to be easy but I promise you, it will be worth it.
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