There are many days where I just don’t feel like working out. I’m tired, lazy, or have so many other things to do… working out just isn’t the priority. Whenever I struggle to find workout motivation, these are the tips I use to maintain my goal of staying active at least 5 days a week!
The Ways I find motivation to workout when I don’t feel like it:
1.Drink some caffeine 🤪
Sometimes, you’re just tired. And you need a little boost. Caffeine can really help you get that boost and motivation to get out there and move! I usually drink Mio Energy to get my caffeine fix. It’s 0 calories, no sugar, and caffeinated with 60 mg of caffeine per serving. I drink some, wait 20-30 minutes, and my body is much more motivated to move and sweat! Sometimes, I take pre-workout, but I’ve been trying to cut it out because of how bad they are for you. Probably the most healthy way to get caffeine is through caffeine pills. I haven’t tried them yet, but I think that’s what I am going to do soon!
2. Tell myself I can workout, but “take it easier” than usual
Sometimes, you have to listen to your body. (Well, you always should, but sometimes your body is trying to tell you something. You may need rest!) I like to do hard intensity, weight-lifting workouts at least 3 days a week, but that means I only have to work out every other day. On the other days, I can stay active by hiking, biking, running, walking, playing tennis, etc. So, if I don’t feel like killing myself at the gym, I don’t need to! I just have to get those 3 hard, 1 hour workouts in each week. I definitely have seen results from working out at the gym 3 days a week and then being active in other ways during the other 2 days I’m supposed to break a sweat.
3. Switch up my workout
Working out is the worst when it feels boring. I enjoy working out much more when I pick out exercises that challenge me, but that I also actually enjoy. It makes me way more excited to work out- then I don’t want to quit or take it so easy that I don’t see the results I desire. For example, I haven’t been enjoying squats with a bar lately so I could squat with free weights or use machinery and do leg presses instead!
4. Look up some motivational videos/quotes
Use fitness inspo! I love finding fitness accounts to follow on Instagram so that I can look at their progress and be inspired by their healthy lifestyle! I also like listening to fitness motivation videos on youtube to hype me up and make me want to complete my next big workout!
5. Find a workout buddy
This one really helps me out! Working out with a buddy holds me accountable. It definitely makes me go to the gym more often during the week than I would otherwise because my workout crew is expecting me there! I also often have a more intense workout when there are other people pushing me and cheering me on, so finding a workout buddy is a win-win.
6. Wear my cutest workout outfit (or buy a new one)
Sometimes, finding an outfit you feel confident in is what will propel your desire to close those rings on your watch & reach your fitness goals! My personal favorite workout brands are Lululemon and Nike. While they are a little pricey (Lululemon especially), their clothes last for so long that the quality makes it worth it!
7. Set an Alarm on Your Phone
If you don’t feel like working out right now but know you need to before the day is over, set an alarm for in a couple of hours. AND YOU CAN’T ERASE THE ALARM UNTIL YOU WORKOUT. This is a trick I use on myself a lot, especially when I don’t have a buddy to hold me accountable. Yes, it’s annoying having your alarm go off every 10 minutes… and that’s why you’ll go get that workout in so you can turn it off!
8. Blast Some Music
Get that adrenaline pumping and get hype with some upbeat songs. This especially helps me get in the mood while I’m getting changed and in the car on the way to the gym.
9. Remember the feeling I’ll have when it’s over
That endorphin high is real. And it feels so good! When I’m not feeling like being active, it’s nice to think about how great I always feel after a workout. It’s hard work, and sometimes it feels like I’d be better off taking a nap, but that feeling will make my ENTIRE day after the workout better. & it will for you, too.
I Feel Better When I Workout
Staying active & healthy is so important to me! I notice the HUGE effects that being active has on my mental health, possibly even more so than my physical health. When I’m having a rough day, sometimes it’s hard for me to find the motivation to get out there and workout- but I always feel so much better every time I do!
I hope this post inspires you & gives you ideas to keep moving even if you aren’t feeling it.
What is your motivation to workout when you don’t feel like it? Do any of these tips help you when you lack motivation or are you planning to try any of them? Let me know in the comments!
Also, if you want more fitness blog posts, check out these.
No matter what you are working on, there are bound to be days when you don’t feel like showing up. There will be workouts that you don’t feel like starting. There will be reports that you don’t feel like writing. There will be responsibilities that you don’t feel like handling. And there will be “off days” when your energy and emotions are in the gutter. These fluctuations are part of life, and I face these motivational challenges just as much as the next person. However, for the important things in my life, I’ve also developed a system for dealing with these “off days.”