Thanks to quarantine, I gained most of the weight I lost last year when I was trying to get in shape for my wedding. Since trying to get really serious about getting back into shape, I've lost about 5lbs. Over the last month, I've been working on my diet, being more active, drinking more water, and swapping out some of my more unhealthy habits for healthier ones,
I don't know about you, but somedays, I have a really hard time motivating myself to get up and work out. I spend a lot of time before I actually work out laying on my couch in my workout clothes debating with myself on how much I actually want to get in shape.
When telling myself that I'll be super fit and super hot in six months isn't enough of a motivation, I turn to some other methods to make working out seem way more exciting and fun than crushing an entire bag of Kettle popped Lays chips while watching Iron Chef America.
I do find this post to be a little ironic because while I'm writing this, I'm still debating with myself about whether or not I want to workout today. I seriously just want to go make a fried egg sandwich, take a nap, and cuddle with my cats after I finish this post, but I know I should probably go for a walk or do a Youtube video or something.
On that note!
Here are a couple of ways that I have found to be the most effective in getting myself up and working out. Maybe they'll help you too!
Have a Physical Checklist or Reward System
Start by figuring out what your workout goal is. It doesn't have to be big or crazy, just make sure that it's something doable for you. After you do that, make yourself a cute checklist and hang it up somewhere you can see it everyday. Some of the YouTubers I follow create their own checklists for workout challenges so if that's the case, then print those out and use those! I don't know about you, but to me, having something to check off makes working out so much more appealing.
If you're more motivated by rewards, make a reward chart! Give yourself different rewards for different goals completed. For example, if you work out three times in a week, let yourself get a special treat. If you complete a bigger goal like working out three times a week for an entire month, treat yourself to something like a mani-pedi or a new game or a new outfit. Tailor the reward system to you and what would motivate you.
Find a Workout You Enjoy Doing
Personally, I think working out sucks. I have a really hard time wanting to workout when it's just stuff like pushups or sit ups. Last year, when I was trying to lose weight for the wedding, I tried to go to Planet Fitness in the beginning of my weight loss journey, but it was so boring and didn't excite me at all so I eventually just stopped going to the gym. When I started going to Jazzercise, I had way more fun and was more excited about going. Now I mainly do dance cardio on YouTube or PIIT with Blogilates and they're both more my speed.
Find something that is exciting for you. If you're into lifting weights, do that. If you're into a certain YouTuber's workouts, do those. By doing workouts you actually enjoy doing, you're more likely to push yourself to do them.
Use a Fitness Tracker
I like seeing progress and knowing that my work outs are actually doing something. I got an Apple Watch at the end of June and I have been OBSESSED with completing the rings in the activity app. I stand up more, I workout and walk more, and I try really hard to make sure to complete my move goal for the day. There's something so satisfying as seeing goals, even daily ones, get completed.
You can track your progress, challenge friends, keep track of your heart rate, and more depending on which fitness tracker you have. Definitely recommend getting one if you don't have one and you're looking for some good self motivation.
Buy Cute Workout Clothes/Gear
It's no secret that wearing cute clothes makes you feel better in general, but wearing super cute workout clothes will make you feel good and want to workout more. Get some new leggings or sports bras or tanks tops. Get some stuff that you want to wear and then you'll be way more likely to get up and use them! There are so many great places to get cute and trendy work out clothes like Popflex, Target, Fabletics, and Old Navy. Look good, feel good, workout better.
Find a Workout Buddy or Accountability Partner
Things are always more fun with a buddy. When I was in college, I would go to the gym with my friend twice a week and it was always easier to get up and go when I went with her. Now I run a Facebook group called "Weight Loss/Health Journey Support for Women" with a friend of mine where we share our goals and our workouts with each other. I've been more on top of my workouts because of that group. I like having accountability to another person because it helps me stick to my goals better.
Having a friend to workout with makes working out not seem so terrible. If you get tired and want to quit, it's always nice to have someone there to encourage you to keep going. Plus, after you workout together, you can go get lunch or a snack or something.
Working out isn't my favorite thing to do, but these steps usually make it way more enjoyable. I definitely still have a long way to go before I can do it without bribing myself or relying on, but hopefully, the more I do it, the more I'll like it.
Let me know what your go-to workout motivation is in the comments below! God know I need the help.
Take a shot for the days where the chips and the couch win and toast to finding ways to make working out fun.
Cheers,
Kristaleagh