5 Easy Ways to Motivate Yourself to Workout

The new year is upon us, and we all know what that means - new beginnings, resolutions, and a chance to start again.

Each year, so many of us decide to make better health choices, especially after the holiday binge. The gyms are usually packed in January, as exercise regimes start again.

It can be tough to get motivated to go the gym in the cold weather. More so, when the facilities are crammed.

Here are our 5 top tips for motivating yourself to workout in the new year.

1. Start small. 

If you’re anything like me, you might never workout. It might seem like a huge chore that you don’t have time for. 

If you aren’t used to working out, you can’t just jump into an advanced regime. You’ll get sore, burn out, and then dread exercise even more. Your motivation will be gone before the end of the week. 

Instead, think about your goals and start small. 

For example, if your goal is to rebound for 20 minutes everyday, then start with two sets of two or three minutes and build up. 

If your goal is to jog around the block but you haven’t had any kind of exercise lately, start by walking it. If your goal is to workout 6 days a week, start with 2 days a week, and go from there. 

Starting small will help you feel more successful and more motivated, and it will help train your body at a reasonable pace.  

2. Create a vision. 

What is your workout goal? Are you trying to lose weight? Are you trying to get stronger? Are you trying to reverse a health condition? 

Whatever your goal is, create a vision of what you want the outcome to be. 

For example, if you are trying to lose weight, picture yourself with your ideal weight. Think about how you will look and how you will feel. Really feel your vision. Let this vision motivate your choices.

Alternatively, you can also create a vision board. Hang it in a place you’ll see each day as you work toward your goal.

3. Wear clothes that make you feel good.

One of the best ways to motivate yourself to workout is to wear gym clothes that make you feel great. 

When you look and feel good, it builds your confidence, you’ll want to be healthier, and you won’t let those nice clothes go to waste by laying around the couch.

 If you’re working out in old t-shirts or sweatpants and you are embarrassed to be seen in them, it might be time for an upgrade.

 New gym clothes that fit and are comfortable are a huge motivation for working out. Plus, who doesn’t love new clothes?

Shirts in Bulk has some awesome workout wear, including a new athleisure line at wholesale prices.   

4. Find an accountability partner. 

When you have a workout buddy, it makes you more accountable for your own workout. 

For example, if you are meeting a friend at 5am every day for a jog, you are being held accountable to that time and activity. You’re less likely to roll over and go back to sleep when you have someone waiting on you. 

It also helps to spend time with someone who has similar goals and struggles. 

The camaraderie you’ll share with your work-out buddy will help keep both of you on track, as you share your wins and struggles with each other. You might even pick up tips or habits along the way.

I’m sure you’ll find that many times people are better at reaching their individual goals together.

5. Pair your workout with something you love. 

Pair something you love with your workout, so that you get excited for your exercise time.

Create an awesome playlist that you listen to only when you workout. Or, everytime you work out, treat yourself to your favorite smoothie or juice.

 If you’re exercising at home, watch your favorite show on Netflix while working out.

 Maybe you crave quiet time. Mediate for a few minutes after your cooldown.

 Reward yourself with a steaming hot shower or a few minutes in the sauna, if that’s your thing.

 You’ll find that your mind will start associating working out with the fun activity, and you’ll no longer dread your exercise routine.

 Before you know it, exercising will become your special time away from the busyness of your life, complete a reward that makes you happy. And that’s on top of feeling good from your workout.

Now I need to go take my own advice :) Happy working out!