Get a Gym Buddy
The easiest way to get and stay motivated is to find a gym buddy to work out with. A buddy system is a fabulous motivator, because you schedule your workouts in advance, and meet your buddy at the gym for a class or a weight workout routine. Knowing you have someone counting on you is a huge motivator and it makes getting to the gym so much easier. Find a gym buddy by asking a friend, family member or co-worker to join you for a workout. If none of these people fit the gym buddy bill, post a “gym buddy wanted” notice at your gym or ask someone in class to team up with you.
Pencil it In
One of the most common reasons people don’t work out regularly is lack of time. Everyone has a busy schedule and between work, kids, family obligations and everything else on your list, many people put off working out until it’s too late. The antidote to this chronic, put-it-off pattern is to simply pencil it in on your calendar like any other appointment. Look at your calendar and find days and times that work for you, then write in your gym time – in ink. When you write it down and make the gym a priority, you won’t plan activities, meetings or other obligations during your dedicated workout time and you’ll find you make it to the gym more often.
Make a Goal
Whether you want to lose five pounds or train to run a marathon, having a goal is the key to keeping yourself motivated. Small goals are easier to reach, and will help you keep your motivation high. But, if your ultimate goal is a big one and seems unreachable, setting small, easy to accomplish goals along the way will help you stay motivated and keep you on track even when you don’t feel like going to the gym.
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Reward Yourself
If you find that working out is still a challenge, try using the carrot and stick method. Rewarding yourself as you go will help keep you on track and going all the way to the finish. If you need to lose 20 pounds, reward yourself after every five you lose. If you want to run that marathon, give yourself a little treat after every mile you add to your routine. Simply decide on a goal and give yourself incentives along the way, such as new workout gear, a pedicure or an mp3 download; whatever will keep you going.
Make it Fun
No one wants to go to the gym if it’s a bore, so choose a class or activity that you really like and don’t be afraid to try something new. Pick a yoga class, circuit, kickboxing or other group exercise class and try it out. Or, if you prefer to work out on your own, ask your gym’s training staff for some new ways to pick up your routine and make it fresh. No matter what you’re doing, be sure to mix it up every once in a while to keep your body guessing and keep you interested.
Just Do It
Sometimes you just don’t feel up to going to the gym, but as the Nike slogan says, “Just Do It.” Set yourself up for success by keeping your workout gear in your car and driving a route that takes you past the gym on your way to or from work. If you work from home or stay at home with kids, put your gym clothes next to your bed so you have no excuses when you get up in the morning. Put a note on your bathroom mirror that says “Just Do It,” and then just do it. You’ll be healthier and happier because you stuck to your goal and made it to the gym, again.
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