5 Ways to Motivate Yourself to go to the Gym
You know what is the most common New Years resolution that people make? Hitting the gym, exercising, or losing that holiday weight. Seriously, people mobbed the gym because it took me forever to find parking. When I finally entered the gym, I noticed so many new faces. I wonder how many of these folks are going to fall off their plans in two months. Well it doesn’t have to be you. I have 5 motivational tips that you can do to improve your chances of beating those first few months and continuing your exercising habit.
#1 – Adding gym time into your schedule
Sometimes, it can be difficult to adjust to a schedule that you already have by adding another activity such as exercising into the mix. Sometimes there are some things that you may do that are a complete waste of time. Try to cut back on those things, such as playing video games, watching TV, or even stalking people on Facebook. Once you set a certain time when you will be heading to the gym, stick with it. You can even make it an excuse for not doing something, like having dinner with an annoying friend! Try to make it consistent so that after a few weeks, it becomes a habit to you and it will be more systematic in your daily life. If you are employed at a 9-5 job, it can be as easy as going to the gym before or after work every day. I usually go to the gym right after I get off work and one day a weekend. Even as a student, you can set a time for each day of the week for when you will go. For example, you have a class at 11:00 – 12:00 and a class at 3:00 – 5:00 every Monday, try to go in between that time, possibly 1:00 – 2:30 every Monday. Try to set a time that is reasonable for you.
#2 - Reaching a certain goal and keeping track
Try to set a goal for yourself that is reasonable. When I say reasonable, I mean start slow! Lets say that you just started going to the gym and started on your diet. Well, you probably won’t see instant results, but maybe about a few months you will. Forget about those advertisements that say that you can lose weight in 4 weeks, 6 weeks, or 8 weeks. Just give yourself a reasonable goal that you will probably be able to accomplish, such as losing 10lbs within 3 months. It all depends on how much you already weigh. As for me, I weighed 130lbs last year, and my goal was to get up to about 140 by May. I actually reached my goal plus another 15lbs. Make sure you keep track of your goals, whether it be losing weight, or how many miles you can run a day, or even how much weight you can bench.
[A Before and After Picture of me]
#3 - Taking before/after pictures
Taking a picture when you are just starting your exercise campaign and taking pictures monthly can easily show you what kind of results you are getting. Most of the time, you will see a difference between your before and after picture. This is great motivation for you because when you see results, you will want it more and more. You’ll work even harder to get to your goal so you can get there faster!
#4 - Have a workout buddy
This is a great motivational tip to have. Having a workout buddy can motivate you to go to the gym, your buddy will nag you to go, or at least he/she should everytime that you make up excuses not to go. Be a good buddy and do the same thing to them as well! It’s always a good idea to share your goals with your buddy, hopefully he/she will push you to reach it too! Another advantage to having a workout buddy is that you have a spotter for your workout session! Two birds with one stone!
#5 - Think about your next vacation
I’m sure that almost everyone would like to be as physically fit as possible when they are getting ready for their vacation in the Bahamas, chillin’ at the pool in Las Vegas, or wherever their vacation takes them. Visualize what you want to look like when you are shirtless or for the ladies, in your bikini. I sure wouldn’t want to look like the scrawny guy in the corner of the pool!
Anyways, these tips have helped me become motivated to go to the gym and I’m excited to get back into it for the New Year. I hope this helps for all of you as well!
