I just can’t today. It was a rough week.
I’m sore. That thing with my (insert a body part here) is acting up again.
I feel weak today. I really don’t feel like driving that far in this weather.
I “forgot” to pack my workout clothes and I don’t want to stop at home.
It’s late and I have to get ready for tomorrow. I just don’t feel like it.
It’s easy to come up with excuses. The lengths we go to in order to avoid doing what we need to do can truly be impressive sometimes.
If you’ve ever started a workout routine, you’ve found an excuse to stop yourself from maintaining it at one point or another. The only defense against your own laziness is your own proactivity. Nothing and no one can stop you from giving up on yourself; it’s a sad fact we all must learn.
Staying motivated in a fitness routine can, sometimes, be more difficult than the workout itself. Once you’re there, the weights, the other people, the act of walking through those doors can be enough to keep you going for a little while, but that isn’t a guarantee. Sometimes, you need something else.
- Music- Whether it’s aggressive metal, hardcore hip-hop or up-beat pop, music serves as a major motivator. It’s been shown that listening to music during a workout allows you to perform the same tasks with less oxygen. You can literally accomplish more with music in your ears, whether it’s that last rep or that last half mile, the right song can help you get there.
- Motivational Videos/Audio/Text- There are entire YouTube channels dedicated to inspiration. You can listen to motivational speeches while you’re at the gym. You can check Pinterest or your favorite websites for motivation. Whether it’s watching the halftime speech from Any Given Sunday or taking a look at some encouragement from your favorite Instagram model, do what it takes to make you feel like you can conquer the world.
- Bring a Friend- Getting someone else involved pushes you to be better. If they depend on you to guide them, help them get better, it inspires you to work harder and learn more to better support them.
- Be an Emperor in New Clothes- Invest in yourself, invest in your new body. A new shirt, shorts or pants can make you feel like you’ve paid for this experience. If your new workout clothes are a little snug, just think about how good you’ll feel about yourself when they fit a little more loosely.
Staying motivated is key to maintaining a workout regimen. Whether you decide to take our yoga classes in Cherry Hill, NJ or pump iron in Mullica Hill, we’re here to help you meet your goals.