It’s easy to get psyched about working out when you’re feeling happy and good, you’re well-rested and the sun is shining.
But what about those other times when…
- It’s dark and raining or snowing.
- You just can’t seem to stop hitting snooze.
- Happy hour sounds a lot better than hitting the gym.
- You’re just not feeling it.
From time to time, our workout motivation wanes – it happens to the best of us. Luckily, the trick to beating workout burnout is as simple as signing up for a race or switching up your usual workout routine or running route.
The next time you can’t seem to get yourself out the door, try one of these tricks to revive your motivation to work out.
1. Remember why you started Working Out
Write down a quote that reminds you of why you started doing fitness or your chosen sport and/ or an emotion that inspired you throughout a tough training session.
Then, when you’re not feeling motivated to work out, go back to that quote or positive emotion to remind yourself why you started in the first place and what motivated you during a workout before.
Try to find something personal that will bring you joy and consistently pursue that feeling.
2. Find inspiration online
Look up motivational fitness quotes online and save them on your phone. When you find yourself lacking workout motivation, it may help to go back and read them.
Fitness is a mental game.
3. Put On Your Workout CLothes
Even if you don’t feel like working out at all, put on your favorite workout clothes. This will unconsciously help tune your mind in the right mood and it’s unlikely that you’ll just stay on the couch wearing your workout gear.
4. Make A date with yourself
Working out isn’t just something you need to do to stay physically healthy and strong, it’s also time for yourself – time to focus on your well-being and enjoy. Treat your workout sessions as any other important appointment and put them in your calendar – cancelling an appointment without a justifiable reason is rude, right?
5. Go explore
After running competitively, a new way of exploring, such as trail running, can revitalize your motivation to run again. No matter where you live, there are trails to run – even in the biggest cities. Pick a new place and go explore – but be safe and make sure you’re well-prepared for trail running!
6. Run by Time instead of Distance
If you usually set out for a certain distance, plan to run for a set amount of time instead. It may seem like a minor switch, but being able to set a timer instead of watching the miles or kilometers tick off can be an effective mental trick.
7. Try something – anything – new
Switch up your gym, equipment, workout or scenery. If you’re just coming off a marathon cycle, train for a 5K – or do the opposite.
Whatever you don’t normally do – do that!
8. Find new workout buddies
Seek out a new group to work out with and take a leap. Working out with a group will help you push your boundaries – both physical and mental – and will help introduce you to a fresh group of like-minded people.
9. Give yourself some time off
Sometimes, you just need to regroup mentally and physically, especially after a big race. So, give yourself a total break from working out and take some time to fully recover.
10. Regain perspective
When your workout motivation is waning, remind yourself of how you felt before you started working out regularly or how you feel when you need to take an extended break from working out. That may get you going quickly!
11. Enlist your support system
When your motivation is lacking, look to your support system – your spouse, friends, family – for that encouragement to go work out and give the most you can give that day.
12. Be Grateful You Can
Remind yourself that there are people all over the world who wish they had the time, tools, strength and physical capabilities to keep going.
Not everybody is fortunate enough to have the luxury of working out, but you do, so appreciate it!
Working out is a privilege, not a must.
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Please note that the information provided in the Polar Blog articles cannot replace individual advice from health professionals. Please consult your physician before starting a new fitness program.
