Lacking Motivation to Exercise? Switch Your Mindset With These Tips

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It’s no secret that exercise is essential for our physical and mental well-being. But what do you do when you lack the motivation to get moving? It’s easy to fall into a rut and convince yourself that you don’t have the time, energy, or desire to exercise. The good news is that with a simple shift in mindset, you can change your outlook and get back on track with your fitness goals. In this article, we’ll share some tips that will help you switch your mindset and find the motivation to exercise.

Remember your why

Hey, look, we all have days where we stare at our running shoes and then walk away from them. We don’t always feel motivated to work out. There are days when you may actually dread it. I get that. Remember your why. Why are you exercising? Why are you going to the gym/for a walk/jog, etc? Why? Don’t lose sight of your why. And also, remember, you’ll feel like a million bucks after you’ve done your workout, too!

Set a time on the calendar and stick to it

Just as you would a doctor’s appointment, set a time on the calendar as your workout time and stick to it. Don’t let anything keep you from that set time. This way, you know that at 6 a.m., you’re booked in for a workout. Stick to it. This is your health!

Focus on the benefits

Instead of thinking about exercise as a chore, start focusing on the benefits. Exercise has numerous physical and mental health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving sleep quality, making you physically stronger, toning your body, and boosting your mood, just to name a few. When you think about how much exercise can improve your overall well-being, it becomes easier to make it a priority in your life.

Set realistic goals

Setting unrealistic goals can make you feel overwhelmed and defeated before you begin. Instead, set realistic, achievable goals that you can track and celebrate along the way. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. For example, instead of aiming to run a marathon right away, start with a 1K or 5K race and work your way up from there.

Find what you enjoy

Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. If you find an activity that you enjoy, it will feel more like a fun hobby than a chore. Try different activities such as yoga, hiking, or dance classes to see what you enjoy. When you find what you love, it becomes much easier to make exercise a regular part of your routine. Many sports are great exercises that don’t involve going to a gym.

Phone a friend

Having a support system can make a big difference in your motivation. Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class to stay accountable and motivated. You can also hire a personal trainer to help keep you on track. Ask around and see if any of your friends want to improve their health and join you daily for some exercise fun. This way, you two can track your goals and hold each other accountable.

Celebrate your progress

Every step towards your fitness goal, no matter how small, is a reason to celebrate. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and appreciate your progress. Celebrate each milestone, whether it be the first time you’ve finished a workout, completed a new routine, or hit a personal best. Remember that progress isn’t always linear, and it’s okay to have setbacks.

Just do a little

Each workout doesn’t have to be an hour-long sweat session. You can just as easily do 15 minutes in your own living room or even put on your runners and walk around your neighborhood. Remember that you don’t have to workout hard all the time. Just do a little bit. Remind yourself that even a little is better than nothing.

Conclusion

The key to switching your mindset and finding the motivation to exercise is to focus on the benefits, set realistic goals, find what you enjoy, get support, and celebrate your progress. Remember that exercise is not just about looking good but feeling good, too. Keep trying, and you’ll find something that works for you, and it’ll be worth it in the long run. So go out and have fun with exercise, and watch your mental, physical, and emotional well-being flourish!