How do you get motivated to go to the Gym?
When getting to the gym keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your “to-do” list, you don’t need to beat yourself up. You just need some new workout motivation. Here are five easy workout hacks to get you going again.
1. Turn your passwords into go-time combos.
You need to change your passwords regularly anyway, so why not use them to help you get motivated to go to the gym? Literally spell out what you want to accomplish. For example, if you want work up to 30 minutes on the treadmill, consider this type of password: 30#Tread. Or maybe you want to motivate yourself to go to bed by 10 p.m. every night. Try “10PMzzz.” That makes them easier to remember, plus you’ll be reinforcing your goals several times a day. #winning.
2. Put yourself on the calendar.
We’ve all been there. You vow to spend just a couple more minutes on Instagram and poof. It’s hours later and your workout motivation is gone. But the same digital devices that distract you can be used for motivation, too. Use your phone’s calendar to set “meetings” to get to the gym, get to bed, or — dare to dream — get a little time to yourself to de-stress.
3. Write a reminder from your future self.
Athletes stay on track by imaging their “future self” winning, and you can do the same. Here’s how. Instead of telling yourself, “I want to go to the gym three times this week,” actually write “went to gym” on your wall calendar in big red letters on the days you plan to go. Sounds crazy, but it actually works.
4. Work out with your best friend — yeah, the one who lives across the country.
If your workout buddy isn’t local, make a plan for “shared gym time” when you both commit to exercising. Text each other to stay on track, and have fun with it. Send an “Ugh, sweaty!” selfie just after a group class. Or make a bet that whoever skips a workout has to send the other a coffee shop gift card. Don’t let your bestie get that latté instead of you! (Need tips on finding the right workout buddy?
5. Make it a game you aim to win.
This works best with a group such as some friends from the gym or work pals. Turn a shared goal into a game that can kick up your competitive side. Who can get the most treadmill miles this week? Who logged the most classes? Whatever you choose, having a “reward” will help you keep track of your progress and revel in your victory. Brownie sundae for the winner? Hey, we won’t judge!
Don’t worry — you don’t have to do them all.
Play around with these tips until you find what works best for you. And if you’ve got a workout motivation hack you don’t see here, please share — we’d love to hear it! You might just inspire someone.
