How to motivate yourself when you’re not in the mood to go to the gym

If you’re struggling to maintain consistency in an exercise routine, you’re not alone. On some days, getting yourself in to the gym takes a lot more motivation.

Here are 5 tips to get motivated, consistent and ultimately in shape.

Don’t just work out, have a fitness strategy

Like most things in life, setting goals is a great way to stay on track. Whether it’s to improve self-esteem, lose weight, remove stress, or improve looks, make sure to set goals. Once your goals are set, you need to breakdown them down in to smaller, manageable steps or milestones. Aiming to complete short- term milestones, rather than an intimidating overall goal, will help you stay focused and not overwhelmed.

Next, schedule your workouts like it’s an appointment with your boss that you can’t miss. Add workouts to a fridge calendar and cross them off when completed. If you miss a workout, plan on making it up ASAP.

And, consider adding a “boss” to your routine. Working with a personal trainer can help you achieve the body you’ve always wanted, faster and safer.

Attend a class

It is without question the best time in AFC Fitness’ 27 years to be a member at one of our gyms in Bala Cynwyd, Feasterville, Jenkintown and Northeast Philadelphia. With such a variety of interesting and fun classes to choose from like Barre, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba, you’ll never lose interest or motivation. AFC Fitness has over 80 classes per week with motivating instructors. Combine classes with AFC’s amenities and you can go from a Small Group Fitness class to a relaxing cool-down session, to the sauna and steam room, and private showers, in one visit!

Don’t use weather as an excuse

Cold, dark and rainy days can make the best of us want to skip going to the gym all together. But don’t let what’s happening outside ruin your exercise schedule. Instead of using weather as an excuse, buy a good waterproof coat and some weather-ready shoes and get to the gym. The accomplished feeling you get when done with your workouts will easily be worth the price of any weather gear. Plus, remember this. When people skip gym days because of rainy or cold weather, they usually use that time to eat high calorie foods that they wouldn’t have eaten if they had just gone to the gym!

Bring a workout buddy

Motivating yourself through a difficult week can be tough. So think about meeting a friend at the gym. Having someone to workout with on a day when you rather skip exercising all together, will help make your session more friendly and enjoyable. Plus, cancelling a meet-up with a friend is harder to do than deciding not to go alone.

The after effect
In those times when you’re not motivated to head to the gym, remind yourself about the accomplished feeling you get after exercise. Exercising has been found to boost your body’s natural “feel good” chemical levels to help bring about a feeling of calmness. These feel good chemicals can provide you with more will-power and positive feelings to fuel every area of your life.

There is no better time than now to try all of the classes, personal training, equipment and amenities at AFC Fitness. Start a 30 Day Free Gym Trial Today!