Tips for Working Out (When It’s The Last Thing You Want To Do)

Adapted from article by Greatist.com

Know you need to work out, but can’t seem to get traction? Stop beating yourself up—simply set out in the right direction without expecting perfection. Here are 5 workout motivation tips to help give you the jump start you need.

Pencil it in. You probably wouldn’t remember to go to your dentist appointment or multiple work meetings if you didn’t add it to your calendar. Well, the same goes for your workouts. Schedule your workout like it’s an appointment. Prioritize exercise by blocking out time on your calendar. This simple act reminds you that you are important, just like everyone else you are trying to please.
Dress for success. More than ever, it’s acceptable to wear workout clothes just about anywhere you go (okay, maybe not work). Take advantage of this and throw on workout gear at every given opportunity. Why you ask? Studies show that something as easy as wearing workout clothes can help motivate you to exercise. (Some morning exercisers are even known to sleep in their exercise clothes!).
Use a carrot. Okay, maybe not a carrot, but it’s perfectly okay to use small rewards to bargain with yourself to work out (including small treats). For example, “If I walk for 45 minutes then I get to have a glass of wine with dinner.” Or you might put $1 in a jar every time you work out and buy yourself a new pair of shoes when the jar is full.” Do what it takes to get yourself excited to work out.
Try a halfsie. When working out sounds like the worst thing ever, barter with yourself—tell yourself that you only have to do half a workout. Guess what– when you commit to doing half, you often go ahead and do the entire workout. And even if you don’t, at least you did half, and that’s better than nothing.
Find your digital fitness fit. The number one most important thing you can do is find an exercise routine that you’re actually going to enjoy. From fitness apps and websites that transform your phone into a personal trainer to live stream videos that turn your living room into a fitness studio, there are plenty of ways to get guidance, motivation, and variety. “Aaptiv” is a new app that offers audio-only workouts from top trainers set to music you love. You can get a free trial if you want to try it out.