Every great fitness routine starts with great intentions. But many times it’s hard to keep your motivation up to that same level.
The snooze button becomes easier to hit. You have a sudden desire to wash those dishes you actually hate to wash. And, as shocking as it may be, you find an excuse to stay at work a bit longer.
But that’s all unnecessary. Especially when there are fitness hacks out there that can make your life so much easier.
Let’s look at 8 super helpful fitness hacks that can keep you motivated.
1. Start Slow
“Slow and steady win the race”… that saying hasn’t been around forever for no reason, right?
While jumping into a complex fitness routine with everything you’ve got is admirable, it might not be the best plan for the long run. Chances are you’re going to get tired and overwhelmed quick. And that will result in your motivation heading downhill.
Instead, start out slow. Build your way up.
If you’re taking up running, try running for a few minutes to start. Then add more the next day and so on. Eventually, you’ll be running at a great pace and you didn’t have to beat yourself up to get there.
2. Create Your Music Playlist for the Length of Time You Want to Workout
It seems that time slows to a crawl every time you step on a treadmill. And constantly looking at the clock to see how much more time you have to go isn’t helping matters.
Try timing out your music playlist to the exact time you plan on working out. That way you know it’s quitting time when the music does. And you no longer need to watch the clock.
When you’re not concentrating on the clock, your mind frees up to concentrate on other things. Such as an audiobook you’re listening to. That makes the time go by much faster.
3. Don’t Sit down in the Mornings
If you workout in the mornings, you may find it hard to get going so early. You know you have to get to the gym, but all your body wants to do is sit down.
Don’t let it. Once you sit down, your body starts to relax, and all your motivation will go with it.
Hack this by standing through your entire morning routine. This includes while eating any breakfast you may have or skimming through the morning paper.
By staying on your feet, you’ll find it easier to head out the door on time.
4. Always Keep a Gym Bag in Your Car
You never know when motivation will strike. So when it does, you need to be ready no matter where you are.
Keep a gym bag prepared and in your car at all times. And make sure you leave nothing out of it that could cause an excuse on why you can’t work out.
Who knows, you may have an energizing day at work that compels you to hit the gym. Or you ate a large lunch and need to work it off to make yourself feel better.
Whatever the case may be, makes sure you’re ready for it.
5. Make Your Workout Fun
You’re not going to stick to a fitness routine if it bores the living daylights out of you. You’re just not. And your motivation levels will be at an all-time low.
Believe it or not, you don’t have to do the same workout routines everyone else is doing. Find something fun and something that interests you!
Maybe dancing is your thing. Find a local studio, like Golden Dance & Cheer Academy, and shake your groove thang instead.
Or if you really want to think outside the box, pole dancing workouts are also a thing. Whatever strikes your fancy, find a workout that allows you to get fit and have fun at the same time!
6. Find a Workout Partner
Accountability is huge when it comes to motivation. And finding a workout partner that can hold you to that can make a world of difference.
Your partner can be a friend that goes to the gym with you. A personal trainer that gets your bum moving daily. Or even an online buddy you have to answer to each day about your workouts and diet.
No matter which one works best for you, get yourself a workout partner. It’s much easier to get to the gym when it’s not just you making up excuses for why you didn’t go.
7. Make a Workout Schedule for One Month
The beginning is always the hardest part. And if you’re winging it with your workouts, it’s going to be tough to keep your motivation levels up.
Schedule out your workouts for the complete first month. That way you know exactly what you have to do and when you’re going to do it. There’s no question or confusion.
And stick to it! It will take a while to form the habit of working out. That’s why the schedule is important.
Once you start to see results, that will be the motivation to lead you into the next month.
8. Don’t Pay Money to Join a Gym. Instead, Pay Yourself Every Time You Workout
Everybody loves to get a reward. And if you’re the type that digs getting a gold star at the end of a job well done, then it’s time to pay yourself.
Why pay a gym a monthly fee when you can reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve put into your fitness routine?
Set monthly goals. And when you reach them, instead of giving your money to someone else, stash it in an account that goes toward that dream vacation, a new car, or even treat yourself to a nice dinner out.
Whatever acts like the carrot at the end of that stick, make it be your reward for keeping up your workouts. You deserve it.
Fitness Hacks Will Kick Your Excuses to the Curb
Everybody needs some help from time to time. And when fitness hacks can keep your motivation up, you’ll be feeling fit before you know it.
And now that you’ve got the outside sorted, how about some work on the inside? Check out these hacks that will guarantee self-improvement for a better you!