7 Strategies for Motivating Yourself to Go to the Gym

That moment when we know we should leave for the gym.

We know all the reasons for going. The amazing benefits we get from working out and the waste of money it’ll be if we don’t go. And yet, sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation.

If you can just bust through that psychological barrier, amazing things await. Here are seven great strategies to psych yourself into an enthusiastic gym mindset.

Dress to impress…yourself

Your workout gear should leave you feeling both physically and emotionally comfortable. You shouldn’t be constantly readjusting, worrying whether you’re flashing the person behind you, or sucking it in because those pants are just a little bit too tight.

Walk right past that rack of “so-cute-but-don’t-bend-over-in-them” sports bras, sister. Choose a workout outfit that flatters and fits in a great way. Think of it as a superhero costume and shop for workout clothes that make you feel powerful.

Try something different

If you constantly dread going to the gym, maybe your routine’s the problem. Shake it up until you find something that works for you.

Maybe that means working out at a different time of day when your energy is higher. Or, try a different workout entirely.

Getting tired of the elliptical trainer? Try a group cycling class! Don’t want to use the weight machines? Take a class on free weights or try out the gym’s suspension trainers.

Choose your gym carefully

If you love your workout but still struggle for motivation, maybe it’s the gym that’s the problem. Every fitness facility has its own vibe, so if the first one doesn’t suit your needs, keep trying until you find one that works for you.

Maybe you’re energized by an accepting environment that doesn’t cater to bodybuilders. Maybe it takes a hot tub in the locker room to get you enthused. Or, maybe a CrossFit gym inspires you.
Choose a gym that lets you do you.

Eat something

Sometimes, the struggle is all in your mind. Sometimes that dragging feeling is your body telling you that you haven’t given it enough of the right type of fuel. If that’s the case, grabbing a quick, healthy, pre-workout snack will put the wind back in your sails.

Bring a buddy

Getting out of bed at 6 a.m. or to the gym after work can be easier with a workout buddy. When you need a cheerleader to motivate you through that last challenging set or to tell funny stories to distract each other from the last mile on the treadmill, she or he will be there. Having a dedicated workout buddy—and returning the favor yourself—is one of the best ways to make hitting the gym a habit you look forward to.

Craft a righteous playlist

The right music can make you jump out of your seat and dance around the house, no matter what it looks like or who’s watching. When we listen to music, our heart beat syncs itself to the external rhythms—it’s called entrainment.¹ When you turn on upbeat music, you’re literally turning up the tempo, and the motivation, in your body.

Just do 5 minutes

Sometimes, no matter how many times you’ve listened to “Eye of the Tiger,” you just can’t psych yourself up for a full workout. That’s okay. Put your clothes on, walk into the gym, go for a walk, or do some stretching. Work out five minutes. You can stop after that if you want—but we’re willing to bet that once you get moving, you won’t want to quit.

You know you should go to the gym. But some days, it’s easy to talk yourself out of it. These tips will keep you going back, no matter how unmotivated you feel.

References
¹ http://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(09)00890-2?_returnURL=http%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982209008902%3Fshowall%3Dtrue