JenniferM | On 16, Mar 2013

Exercise is just as important to being fit as eating a clean diet; however, sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated to exercise when you just don’t feel like working out.  Here’s a few tips to keep you going when you just don’t want to.

Choose a Fun Workout That’s Do-Able

The workouts I do have got to be fun.  If they’re not, my motivation fizzles out pretty quickly.  Who can’t find something “better” to do when faced with a boring workout?  There are so many structured workout programs out there nowadays, there’s something for everyone.  You may have to try out a couple before you find “the one,” or you may have to create your own workout.  Also, be sure that you don’t choose a workout that’s too tough for your fitness level because you don’t want to risk getting injured.

Vary Your Workouts

Doing the same workout day after day gets boring.  Remember to vary your workouts not only to keep your body guessing what you’re going to do next, and your boredom squashed, but also, mastering a new workout is exciting and self-empowering, so you’ll be motivated to keep going.

Set Goals and Keep a Workout Journal

Set attainable goals and set them often.  Keeping a fitness journal is a great way to help you set goals.  I find the ChaLean Extreme workout sheets to be extremely helpful because I can compare the pounds I lifted during the different exercises the week before and set higher goals for the current week.  There’s no better feeling than meeting your goals and you’ll probably find you can push yourself just a bit harder if you’ve frequently got new goals to meet.

Find a Fitness Buddy

Being held accountable to someone is a strong motivator.  Ask a like-minded friend to be your workout buddy.  Make sure you ask someone who is sure to not let you off the hook if you try to miss a workout “just because,” but not someone who’s going to be a nag (it’s a delicate balance!).

My husband and I used to be workout buddies and would lift weights together every single workout and the best part was we are both competitive, so it caused us to push ourselves just a little bit harder (even though he was lifting much, much heavier than I was, it was still fun to go “head to head”!).  My husband stopped lifting a few years ago, but I am so excited because he’s slowly getting back into things and soon I’ll have my workout buddy again!

Reward Yourself

Set a goal of exercising a certain number of days per week.  Each time you meet your weekly goal (or monthly goal), reward yourself and it doesn’t have to be with food.  I usually get myself something small and inexpensive, like some new tunes to add to my iPod or a new magazine or book or your reward can be some a couple hours of “me time” each week to get away from the demands of everyday life.

Remember Who You Are

You’re not just mom or dad — you’re somebody’s role model.  Do you want to help your kids set healthy habits that will last them a lifetime?  Then do it yourself!  Our kids look up to us and pay attention to what we do, even when we think they’re not paying attention.  You have a lot of influence over your kids,so remember it’s not just about you, but your passing on your healthy habits to them as well.

Remind Yourself of You’re Why

I put a note on my fridge, but you can put a note anywhere you’re going to see it so it’ll remind you of all the reasons why you love to work out and what exercise is doing for you.  So make a list!

Here’s an example, but this should be personal to you and list those things that motivate you. (These are in no particular order, just as I thought of them:)

So how do you stay motivated to exercise?  Share your tips with us below!