Many people struggle with finding the motivation to exercise regularly. It can be frustrating when you know you should be working out, but you just can't seem to find the drive to do it. So, why is it so hard to find the motivation to workout and what can you do about it? Let's dig in.
One possible reason for your lack of motivation to workout is not having a clear goal in mind. Without a specific target to work towards, it's easy to lose interest and give up. Set realistic and achievable goals for yourself, whether it's losing a certain amount of weight, improving your strength, or training for a specific event.
Doing the same workout routine day after day can quickly become monotonous and boring. If you're not excited about your workouts, it's no wonder you're lacking the motivation to workout. Try switching up your routine by trying new exercises, joining a fitness class, or finding a workout buddy to keep things interesting. However, that being said, you might be bored with your routine because your intensity sucks.
Results (especially in a traditional gym setting) come from repetitive movements practiced for 4-12 weeks with increasing weight for what is called progressive overload. If you’re bored because you’re not applying effort and intensity, try this before cherry picking workouts or joining a new gym. Better yet, hire an online personal trainer and have your workouts written for you.
When you're the only one holding yourself accountable, it's easy to make excuses and skip workouts. Find ways to increase your accountability, such as working out with a friend or hiring a personal trainer. Knowing that someone else is counting on you can be a powerful motivator. That being said, in person personal training can be very expensive (like $40 - $120 per session expensive) and a lot of times this is unrealistic. Instead, consider an online coach or online personal trainer to assist you with your motivation to workout and accountability to the process.
If the thought of starting a workout routine feels overwhelming, it's understandable that you might not feel the motivation to workout in the first place. Break down your fitness journey into smaller, more manageable steps. Start with short workouts or focus on one aspect of fitness at a time. As you build momentum and see progress, your motivation will increase.
If you dread every workout and find no enjoyment in the process, it's no wonder you don't have any motivation to workout. Find activities that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to. Whether it's dancing, hiking, swimming, or playing a sport, find a form of exercise that brings you joy. Life is too short to do things you don’t want to do, and if you genuinely don’t enjoy your mode of exercise, the options are endless, so don’t use it as something that gets in your way from your results and a body you love.
There may be underlying physical or mental barriers that are affecting your motivation to workout. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort during exercise, it's important to address these issues with a healthcare professional or a training professional to figure out what is going wrong, as it might be a movement pattern thing. Additionally, mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety can also impact your motivation. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial.
However, that all being said, don’t underestimate the power of movement for your overall health and when I say movement, I mean any movement. This ranges from stretching at home, to going for walks, and anything from there. Our bodies were made and designed to move and the more sedentary we are the worse we feel.
There can be various reasons why you're not motivated to workout, but it's important to remember that motivation is not a constant state. It's normal to have ups and downs in your fitness journey. The key is to identify the barriers that are holding you back and find strategies to overcome them. With the right mindset and support, you can reignite your motivation and get back on track towards a healthier, fitter you. A bigger reason why you might not be motivated to workout as well is because your motive sucks. If you’re working out or seeking movement as a punishment for what you ate or how you look or how you feel, you’re not going to want to do it. Rewrite the narrative to reward yourself with movement, using it as a tool and something you enjoy, and if you’re lost along the way, hire a professional online personal trainer to lead you on the journey ahead.