Getting the motivation to workout and better yourself is a struggle at times. Even coffee or pre-workout might not be enough. If you’re not in the mood or you’re tired, it can be hard to get off the couch, even if you can see the long term reward.
However, there are natural, effective ways to motivate yourself, which have been studied by science.
First off, be nice to yourself. You are trying to get motivated to do a good thing for your body and health, and it deserves a reward. After your workout, have something to look forward to, like picking up your favorite but healthy meal on your way home. Over time, your brain will begin to associate working out with getting a reward, and you’ll be more motivated to do it. It might be a little Pavlovian, but hey, it works!
Second, try putting your money where your mouth is. Try paying a friend every single time you miss a workout class, getting a gym membership, or investing money in gym equipment (we highly recommend StrongBoard). The more you have invested, especially with your social circle, the more your brain cares.
Lastly, it helps to positively visualize working out. Imagine feeling energized while working out, and how you’ll feel after you’re done. Simply imagining yourself there isn’t enough though. Research shows after you visualize, you need to figure out what’s getting into your way, and then make a plan to solve the problem. For example, if you get home, sit on the couch, and immediately lose all energy, then perhaps plan to go to the gym right after work.
Try these tips and your motivation to workout & reach your goals will go up!
