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Lacking Motivation? Here Are 15 Tricks to Get You in the Gym

woman working out while trainer stands next to her
If you know that someone is depending on you, you're more likely to stick to your gym goals.

by Mary Lambkin

When you first sign up for a gym membership, it's easy to feel supercharged with positive energy — but then, sometimes, you might start to feel your motivation slip. Work gets busy. You get sick. You have too much cake at the birthday party. Enter: demotivation.

If you're in the middle of a fitness rut, it can be hard to find the energy you need to head to the gym. Wondering how to find the motivation to work out? Try a few of the 15 tips below to boost your exercise enthusiasm.

1. Go to the Gym First Thing in the Morning

Try waking up extra early and heading straight to the gym. This way, you won't have time to talk yourself out of it. You also won't have any excuses, since the rest of the world is still asleep!

2. Buy Yourself Some New Gear

Consider investing in some new workout clothes, sneakers or accessories. New gym swag might give you the spark you need to start a new workout routine.

3. Find a Gym Buddy

Befriend someone else at the gym and become accountability partners for each other. If you know that someone is depending on you, you're more likely to stick to your gym goals.

4. Promise Yourself a Post-Workout Treat

Reward yourself for finishing a good workout by swinging by your favorite coffee shop afterward.

5. Try a New Workout

Change things up to get your excitement going. Try lifting weights to take a break from the cardio machines, or vice versa.

6. Download a New Playlist

Set the tone for a solid workout by downloading an upbeat playlist before heading to the gym. If you need to, start listening to it while you're still at home — it could give you the boost you need to get out the door!

7. Sign Up for Fitness Training

Take the guesswork out of your workout by letting a certified trainer design a custom fitness plan for you. What better person to hold you accountable for showing up? They can also provide you with their own ideas on how to find the motivation to work out.

8. Make a Checklist

Some people love making lists and checking off their accomplishments. If this sounds like you, try adding "work out" to your to-do list so that you feel accomplished when you finish.

9. Tell the World You're Working Out

Social media is the perfect platform to promote your accomplishments! Tell everyone that you're heading to the gym so that your online community holds you accountable.

10. Time Your Workout With Your Favorite TV Show

Love watching House Hunters every day after work? Instead of watching it on your couch, head to the gym and watch it while you walk on the treadmill.

11. Go During Your Lunch Break

Going to the gym is way more fun than sitting at your desk. Sneak your workout into your lunch break and view it as an escape from the everyday routine.

12. Download a New Fitness App

Download a fitness app to remind you to work out, deliver workout plans right to your phone and reward you for achieving your goals. With all the functionality fitness apps offer, you won't have to spend any time planning what to do at the gym.

13. Schedule a Hot Date

Schedule a dinner or happy hour with your favorite friend for the evening. It'll help motivate you to work up a sweat at the gym beforehand!

14. Prepare Your Gym Bag Before You Go to Sleep

By packing your exercise gear ahead of time, it'll be ready and waiting for you when the time comes to work out. After making preparations, you'll be more motivated to go to the gym.

15. Have a Cup of Coffee

When all else fails, a little jolt of caffeine might be just what you need to power your way through a workout.

 

As always, please consult with a physician prior to beginning any exercise program. See full medical disclaimer here.