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| Photo courtesy of Viktor Hanacek on PicJumbo |
Sometimes I can't wait to hit the mat or go for a run, other times I seriously do not want to work out, or even get out of my chair (or my bed) for the matter; sometimes I really need a little extra something to motivate me to put on my shoes and start moving. On those days, I need a little extra motivation to help me stay on track and not needlessly miss my workout; if there's no real reason why I have to skip it that day. And even when I'm feeling super motivated, it never hurts to have a little extra motivation to help take full advantage of that energy and excitement so I can make the absolute most of it.
Having a good pre-workout routine in place
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| Photo courtesy of Lauren on Unsplash |
When I'm really not feeling like working out, mainly because I'd rather be doing something else or I'm just feeling lazy that day, a lot of the time just going through the steps of my pre-workout routine helps motivate me to work out. It also helps to have a good pre-workout routine, in general, to make sure you're 100% ready to start your workout, and won't have to stop in the middle of your workout for anything; such as going to the restroom or looking for equipment. It doesn't have to be very elaborate, and if you workout in the morning as a part of your everyday morning routine (like I probably should), it can easily be integrated into your existing morning routine. But if you don't have the time in the morning, or if the idea of exercising in the AM is not appealing and will only make you want to stay in bed even longer; then it's a good idea to have a good pre-workout routine, and have a time set to start it.
I actually have a little reminder set to tell me when it's time to start my workout or to start getting ready for my workout. I'll be honest, sometimes I have to drag myself out of my chair to get going, but once I get my workout clothes on, and my water bottle filled, I'm usually more motivated to workout by then.
Having some sort of plan to follow
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| Photo courtesy of Emma Matthews on Unsplash |
I have found that when I follow some sort of plan or workout calendar (or at least use one as a guide), that it's much easier for me to stay on track than it is when I fully just try to wing it and do random workouts. Although I definitely do like to stray from the calendar a little bit sometimes to try something new or something that caught my interest, having something to follow so I don't have to think too much about which videos to choose that day helps a lot. And if there's a way to check or mark off the workouts I've already done, it's also a great motivational tool; as I love seeing those checkmarks, stars, or whatever I used to mark off the completed workouts.
There are a lot of free plans that you can easily find online if you don't want to pay for a workout plan. Blogilates makes a new calendar EVERY month and even allows you to check off the videos you've completed right on her website or on the printable version of the calendar. Yoga With Adriene also offers free monthly calendars and even has all the videos of the month in a playlist on her channel so you don't have to search for them. There are likely many other trainers out there who offer something similar as well, but these are my personal top two right now!
Pinterest is also a great place to look for workout plans, and for 30-day workout challenges. Or if you're creative, you can also make your own weekly or monthly workout calendar with whatever videos or workouts your heart desires!
Planning a workout outfit I'll be excited to wear
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| One of my favorite outfits! I love this edgy but girly look! |
Although to some it may seem a bit silly or trivial, the right outfit can make all the difference. Planning to wear something both comfortable and fun is a real motivator for me, as I just can't wait to put that outfit on; and really do it justice by crushing my workout! It may not seem like a huge thing, but I find that when I don't plan my workout outfit, I'm more likely to be unmotivated to workout than when I do plan out my outfit. Perhaps because I don't even know what to wear, and have to take even more time out of my afternoon to figure out what to wear.
I personally like to pick out my workout outfit as part of my bedtime routine in the same way that I'd pick out any other outfit and set it out so it's ready for me when it's time to get dressed for my workout.
Reading fitness websites and blogs
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| Photo courtesy of The Girlloop on Unsplash |
I don't think I need to explain much here. Fitness websites and blogs are filled with endless content to help fuel my motivation and to inspire me to sweat it out; as well as to help me find new workouts to try when I'm getting a little bored of the workouts I've been doing. I'm pretty much always on some sort of device anyway, so sometimes motivation is just a few clicks (or taps) away.
Scheduling rest days
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| Photo courtesy of Sarah Dorweiler on Unsplash |
There is absolutely no shame in taking rest days; as a matter of fact, they are more than necessary. I like to take at least one rest day a week on Sundays to give my body a break from strenuous activity, although I do like to do some light stretching or yoga when I'm up for it on my rest days. However many rest days you choose to take during the week is up to you; and will completely depend on your own wants and needs. It's also up to you whether you choose to take a full-on rest day and not do anything exercise related, or if you choose to do some stretches, or do something really light and easy such as going for a walk.
Don't feel bad about taking additional rest days as well if you really need them or if you have other plans for the day and won't have the time for your workout.
Reminding myself of why I workout
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| Photo courtesy of The Lazy Artist Gallery on Pexels |
Everyone has their own goals when it comes to why they are hitting the mat; whether it's a temporary thing to get in shape for a specific event, or a lifelong lifestyle change to get in better shape in general, and just to feel healthier. For me personally, I workout as a natural way to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and to boost my mood and energy in general; although I do have secondary goals of what I can accomplish on my runs and on my mat, and to be in better shape (and stay in shape).
Oftentimes when I'm feeling a bit lazy, or even a little bit icky, it's because of stress, anxiety, or a bad mood in general. Which a lot of the time, exercise really does help, even if it has to be a lighter workout that day. So sometimes I just have to remind myself that the exact reason I started this lifestyle was to combat a crappy mood, while also building my strength and seeing how much I can accomplish; which is another confidence booster in itself.
These are just a few of the ways I motivate myself to workout (without going too much off of vanity related motivation). A lot of it comes down to just having a plan (as well as following a workout plan I like), and holding myself accountable and remember why I workout. As well as knowing that it's okay to take breaks, and that rest is essential to avoid burning myself out.
How do you motivate yourself to workout? Do you follow a certain plan, or do you just like to wing it... or even make your own? What are your thoughts on rest days and active rest days; how often do you like to take them? And what is your biggest reason to workout? It is a mood booster for you? Or something to help you feel healthier and more energized? Maybe you're just doing it for fun?! Or perhaps sweating is not your thing entirely; don't worry I totally understand that too, haha. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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