Going to the gym can seem like a chore. It needs to be planned; otherwise, you’ll quickly find yourself back in bed, scrolling through your phone. With a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise, you’ll be healthier and happier. That pre-gym feeling is a good sign that your body is getting what it needs to thrive. Here are four motivational hacks that will get you out the door and make getting to the gym easier.
1. Set Realistic Goals
Goals are key to success. They set the foundation for everything you want to achieve in life. You’ll never reach them if you put off achieving them. If your goal is to fit into a certain clothing size, take it from there and set realistic goals based on what’s possible for your body to accomplish. This will motivate and inspire you to succeed in reaching your goals and living an active lifestyle.
When setting a goal, it’s best to be specific and realistic. If you set yourself unrealistic goals, you’ll feel more frustrated when they’re not met. A better goal is to work on little changes every week and focus on progress.
2. Make a Playlist
If music helps you feel ready for anything, use that to motivate yourself before going to the gym. Choose songs that make you feel powerful before or during your workout. This can help you calm down and motivate you to get out the door. Pick a playlist that makes you feel excited about your workout and your changes, especially if your workouts will be boring or challenging.
Music is a great way to set the tone for your workout. When you listen to music and exercise, your body releases endorphins, making your brain feel more relaxed and ready for a good workout. While working out is beneficial, listening to upbeat music that sets the right tone is important.
3. Find an Accountability Buddy
Many people struggle with the same issues of motivation. If you find that your motivation is slipping, it’s important to speak up and get support. You can join clubs where other like-minded people support each other or schedule an appointment with yourself and treat it as a highly-respected commitment.
Accountability is necessary if you want to make your fitness a priority. It can be tough to stay motivated if you don’t have someone else to help keep you on track. Scheduling a regular workout can help, especially if you put it on your calendar. When you commit to going to the gym, treat it like a business meeting or an important obligation.
4. Reward Yourself
One of the best ways to keep yourself motivated is to reward yourself for working towards your goals. If you choose to treat yourself before and after your workout, it will keep your motivation strong and prevent you from quitting. Remember that rewards help your body feel good after a workout, so reward yourself sufficiently to make it an enjoyable experience.
Motivation and success come from the power of small steps. It would be best if you started somewhere. Don’t give up if you have to work towards a goal for days or weeks, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you feel discouraged.