12 TIPS TO MOTIVATE YOU TO WORK OUT (When You'd Rather Not)
by Sonia Waleyla, CPT
1. Work out with an iPod loaded with music that makes you happy.
2. Have a reward you get to look forward to only if you do your workout - negotiate a massage from a friend or lover, buy a decadant delicious tropical fruit, or take time out afterward to go dancing.
3. Meet a friend at a designated time. This forces you to workout because you don't want to let your friend down.
4. Sleep in your workout clothes, set an insanely loud alarm across the room, and as soon as you turn it off put on your shoes (which are right next to it) and get out the door ASAP.
5. Look at yourself naked in the mirror as soon as you wake up. Remind yourself that exercise will make this more enjoyable.
6. Make a rule that if you don't feel like working out at the gym you'll just go and look at the other people exercising. Make sure your gym bag is with you. When you go inside seeing everyone else working out will usually give you back your motivation.
7. Put up a chart with the numbers 1-30 and each day you work out add a gold star. Ask a friend (or two or three) to surprise you with a fun experience if all the stars are filled by the end of the month.
8. Make a list of 10 reasons why you want and deserve your dream body. Every time you decide not to work out make it mandatory that you read this list aloud three times.
9. Have two alternate workouts that are extra fun, say bellydance and rockclimbing, or zumba and ultimate Frisbee, and use these when your normal routine leaves you uninspired.
10. Remind yourself that you are either on an upward spiral or a downward spiral on any given day - there is no standing still when it comes to fitness.
11. Have a rule that if you decide not to do a full workout that you have to do just five minutes. If after five minutes you can stand the thought of continuing (and usually you can) then continue.
12. Make a bet with someone close to you as to who can be the most consistent in their workouts. Whoever loses does the other's laundry for two weeks.