Who doesn’t know the feeling … you slowly lose passion for your newfound exercise routine. What seemed like a walk in the park a few weeks ago now appears like a climb up Mount Everest. Your motivation for your newfound gym routine is waning. You find it harder and harder to make time for the gym.
Wake up! It’s never too late to pull back and get that motivation going again.
The “honeymoon” period of any new routine always is the easiest, but once life gets busy around you and you start getting comfortable, it can be hard to keep that initial enthusiasm and motivation going. This is the time to start working on your motivation. Why did you start in the first place? Can’t you see the many positive benefits of being active?
Here are my Top Hacks for recovering your Motivation:
Reward yourself
I purposefully put this as my top hack. Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that you are valuable and deserve to be rewarded for your efforts. This might be a cup of coffee at your favourite coffee shop after the gym, or simply allowing yourself to put your feet up with the paper and a cup of tea during the weekend. Little rewards can be big rewards.
Change up your Routine
Check in with your personal trainer to mix up your programme, take a look at new classes, or change up the days you go to the gym. Don’t allow boredom or routine to be in the way of your success.
Set Goals and ask you PT to review them
You set your goals when you initially start training. While they make sense at the time and you are probably going in the right direction with them, it is a good idea to review your goals every three months or so. Keep adjusting them if you need to. Be realistic, because you can only achieve realistic goals. (And remember to award yourself for your achievements!)
Don’t Make Excuses
Forgot your gym towel? Didn’t bring your gym bag? They’re no reasons not to train. Keep a locker in your Gym stocked up with fresh clothing, your shoes and towel, toiletries. Don’t allow yourself to fail, allow yourself to win by being prepared.
Listen to Music or a Podcast to distract yourself
Truth is, even professional athletes get bored of their gym sessions. They might train together with their mates, so if you can try to go together with a friend. That failing, put on some of your favourite upbeat music, listen to a good podcast or audiobook. You will notice that you will be easily distracted.
Remember WHY you’re doing this
There was a reason why you joined the gym in the first place. Go back to your initial goals, take a close look at them, and acknowledge to yourself just how far you have got. Every time you go to the gym, you win. You are doing this to become a better, fitter version of yourself. You are doing this because you care about yourself and how you will be in the future. You are doing this because it’s good for you and you are healthier.
Track your Progress, acknowledge your accomplishments and the positive changes you have already made, and keep working one gym session at a time, one week at a time, one month at a time. Keep going.
