5 Tips For Workout Motivation
1.) Eat a Pre-Workout Snack
You’ve heard it once and you’ll hear it again: food is fuel! Our bodies need macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats) to function properly in day-to-day life. Factor exercise in the equation and you really need energy-boosting foods. In between meals, try eating a light snack 30-60 mins before your workout. This snack could be fruit, whole grains, yogurt, or a smoothie! If you feel too heavy during your workout, add 10 mins more to your digesting time before you start. This will help you find that “sweet spot” timing.
More of a high-volume meal fan? Eat your meal a couple hours (2-4) before you exercise, making sure you’ve got plenty of complex carbs (i.e sweet potatoes, whole grains, veggies) for slow burning energy as well as fats for low-intensity workouts, and protein for muscle repair/synthesis! We often blame our busy days for the lack of energy and motivation to workout. Sometimes this is the case, but more often than not what’s missing is simply the right fuel for you!
2.) Shut Off Distractions 15 mins Prior To Leaving
Glued to your phone or tv so much so that you miss your class time or choose not to get up? Set a reminder on your phone for 15 minutes before you were planning on leaving or starting. This reminder is NOT like your morning alarm clock - you can’t hit snooze! Finish whatever email you were writing, tv scene you were watching, or insta profile you were stalking and get yourself ready for the session.
3.) Crank Up The Tunes
There is nothing (and I mean nothing) like blasting your favorite pump-up song and getting ready for a sweat sesh. The music motivation stays on while I get dressed, drink my water or pre-workout, grab my keys, all the way up until I’m out the door … and even then I’m playing music as much as possible. Music is one of my biggest motivators for exercise; it puts me in the right mindset and who doesn’t love a serotonin boost?! Next time you need to get yourself hyped for the incredible workout you’re about to do, hop on a spotify playlist, dance around, and thank me later.
4.) Diversify Your Workouts
One of the biggest leaders in workout slumps comes from a lack of diversity/increase in comfortability. When we know exactly what we’re getting ourselves into, the body and mind can run on autopilot. This is also one of the reasons you could be seeing a plateau in performance and improvement. That’s not to say a routine is anything to judge or change. Routines and consistent exercise are incredible goals! But, if you find yourself bored of the same-old thing, try switching it up! Used to yoga every day? Incorporate functional strength training! Is leg-day stuck on loop? Try a full-body pilates class or Youtube something new!
5.) Grab a Buddy
As easy as this sounds, it can cause a surprising difference. Having a friend hold you accountable for your workout times not only makes it near impossible to refuse, but also more enjoyable. Exercising with a buddy adds an extra push with a friendly environment. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love grabbing a rewarding meal post-workout. If you needed a sign to text that friend to hit the gym/class … consider this your sign!
IMPORTANT Disclaimer:
There is a major difference between slump and burnout. Take these tips as helpful ways to get you out of a slump. You know when you really didn’t wanna exercise but once you got there you were so grateful you did?? That’s what I’m talking about! Burnout, however, is a real thing that demands rest, self care, and recovery. If your mental and physical state is not getting better through your workout and you feel increasingly exhausted, take a step back and give yourself the rest you need.
