6 WAYS TO GET MOTIVATED TO EXERCISE AGAIN

There are many reasons why life can make it challenging to exercise for a long stretch of time. Here are a few ways to help you jumpstart your movement and get back in your groove.


BY: LINDSEY PINE, MS, RDN, CSSD, CLT

For many, the feeling of accomplishment that they get from working out and completing a challenging physical exercise naturally increases their confidence and keeps them in a routine.

But often times, life catches up and makes it difficult to continue in the exercise department, whether it be work, family, injuries, or other life events. It’s in those moments that it becomes challenging and demotivating to get back to where you used to be.

So where do you start when you’re ready to get back at it? Here are a few tips and tricks to stay motivated get it going again:

1. SET A GOAL AND PLACE REMINDERS OF THAT GOAL ALL AROUND YOU.

Ask yourself: why are you working out in the first place? Maybe you are trying to get stronger, run farther, or boost your mood.  Set a goal for yourself that is achievable and realistic, and schedule your workouts on a calendar and treat them like appointments for your “me time”!  Place reminders on Post-It notes with positive messages or inspirational photos around your home.  More of a digital person?  Fill your social media accounts with workout pics to remind you of those endorphins you felt from a great workout!

2. SIGN UP FOR AN EVENT.

Many people find it easier to work out on a regular basis if they have something to train for.  By signing up for an event, you won’t want to waste that registration fee by showing up untrained!  Each time you show up having trained for the event, you’ll feel more confident in completing obstacles or finishing with a faster time, which may help boost your confidence and drive to continue. Allow a race or event to serve as your inspiration during a workout!

3. GET A BUDDY TO EXERCISE WITH.

Grab a friend to keep each other accountable.  It’s often easier to try new workouts when you have a buddy to go through the experience with you.  Besides, chatting with a friend makes a hike go by a lot faster!

4. LOOK FOR DEALS.

If you LOVE group classes, but are on a budget, Groupon and other deal websites can be a lifesaver! Try ClassPass, which allows you to rotate between different studios for a lower monthly fee. Don’t forget to sign up for gym email lists, which often send out emails with discounted classes and even free classes when a new instructor is training.

5. HAVE A PLAN.

Do you get to the gym without a clear vision of what you want to work out, and simply end up on a cardio machine because you can’t think of what else to do?  Write down a list of exercises and number of reps and sets to accomplish BEFORE you work out.  Having a workout plan is like going to the grocery store with a list…it just works!  Don’t know what exercises to do?  Magazines like Self, Shape, Oxygen, and Fitness always have great free workout plans.

6. PUT YOUR GYM CLOTHES ON RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE WORK.

If I wait to change into my workout gear when I get home, it may not happen at all!  Changing into your gym clothes before leaving work can help put you in the mindset to get ready and work up a sweat!

Adapted from the original article.

Lindsey Pine, MS, RDN, CSSD, CLT is a Los Angeles-based dietitian, specializing in food sensitivities and culinary creations.  Whether she’s working with students at University of Southern California or in her private practice, Lindsey helps others find the healthy foods that they love so help sustain their long-term success. To find your tastiest balance in life, connect with Lindsey at Tasty Balance Nutrition.