While we all know exercise is good for us, sometimes we just aren’t feeling it. OK, maybe it’s a little more than sometimes…or maybe you’re in a downright slump (think: over-extended winter hibernation).
Whether it’s too cold, it’s too hot, you’d rather sleep in (seriously, your bed is the comfiest), you don’t have time, you have dinner plans, it’s raining, or you’re tired, we can pretty much think up every excuse in the book to prevent us from getting up and moving. The good news? If we can talk ourselves out of it, you bet your bottom dollar we can talk ourselves right back into it!
Use these 5 Little Tricks When You Need An Extra Boost:
1. Get Real About Your Intentions: When you exercise “just to exercise” or because you know you should be exercising, it’s easy to fall off the bandwagon. Hop right back on by getting clear about your intentions. Dig deep, asking yourself questions like “How do I want to feel?” or “What do I want to get out of my exercise routine?”
Maybe you strive to feel energized so you can have the stamina to keep up with your kids, or you want to tone your arms so you can feel like a shining star on your wedding day. Or perhaps you’re just looking for a change of pace, a way to step outside your comfort zone and make some new friends along the way. The point is, everybody’s intentions are different and once you get clear about your own, you’ll have more of an incentive to break the rut.
While it may sound silly at first, I often have my clients write their intentions down on a post-it or notepad and keep it somewhere they can see it every day (like the mirror, fridge or your work bag). Every time you feel an exercise excuse coming on, look at your intentions (your “WHYs”) to give you that extra motivation!
2. Grab an “Accountability Buddy”: I get it; it can be reallyyyy hard to force yourself to do something you really don’t want to do, or at least you think you don’t want to do. Well fortunately for you, you don’t have to do it alone! If you’re the type that can talk yourself out of almost anything, you may want to snag an accountability buddy to act as your very own cheerleader.
This can be anyone from your coworker to your significant other to your best friend. The only “rule” is they need to be someone who supports your goals and will give you a little tough love every now any then. Even better, find someone who has similar goals and intentions as you, so you can exercise together and keep each other on track!
On other notes, you may even want to invest in a Health Coach, who acts as a positive mentor to help you reach all your secret health and wellness goals, while holding you accountable along the way. You can check out my bio below if this is something you may be interested in!
3. Take Advantage of Technology: In this day in age, there are so many cool apps and tools on the market to keep you motivated and inspired to move! If you’re a runner, you can track your miles with Map My Run or RunKeeper, which acts as a “personal trainer in your pocket.” Others love Fitocracy, an app that essentially transforms your exercise routine into a fun, challenging game.
Do a quick search on your Smart Phone, and you’ll be amazed by how many apps out there have your back. Plus while you’re here, be sure to take advantage of Share It Fitness’ very own SIF OnDemand. With 200+ full-length HD workouts ranging from Yoga to BodyFit Challenges, you’ll never get bored!
4. Plan Ahead: We often plan ahead when it comes to our weekend plans, so why not plan ahead for your fitness? For starters, add your workouts to your calendar, especially when you’re just getting back into it. When you see it penned in right in front of you, you’re much more likely to stick to it.
On other notes, do the prep work ahead of time! Just as we attempt to pack healthy work lunches the night before, you can start prepping for your workouts early too. Maybe that means packing up your gym bag the night before, keeping an extra pair of sneakers at your office for afternoon runs, or scheduling dates with your favorite Personal Trainer a few weeks in advance. This way, the only thing left you need to do is show up for yourself!
5. Make Your Workouts Fun Again: Last but not least, you want to make sure you’re enjoying your exercise, rather than dreading it. After all, what’s the point if you’re not having a little fun along the way? That’s not to say it should be easy for you, but more so ensuring that you are challenging yourself in a fun and exciting way! In order to do this, you need to find an exercise (or a series of exercises) that make you feel your best self. And remember to do what works for you, not your best friend, your fitness idol or your boss.
If you’re looking to shake up your cardio routine, give Zumba or Spinning a go! Bored with your at-home fitness DVDs? Join a group exercise program or invest in a Personal Trainer who has your best interest in mind! Been skipping out on your solo runs because you simply can’t find the motivation? Break out of your shell (and perhaps make some new friends) by joining a local run club! As you can see, there is something for everyone out there so be sure to find an exercise that makes you shine.
How do you trick yourself into working out when you’d rather hit the snooze? What motivates you to get moving?
