Sophie Okolo, MPH

It can be hard to stay motivated when it comes to working out and staying in shape. For a lot of people, the hardest part is getting started. Once you finally make it to the gym or put on your running shoes, the rest is usually easy. But what do you do when you don’t feel like working out today? Or when you have a busy week and don’t have time for a full workout? Here are some tips for staying motivated and on track with your exercise routine!

1) Set Short-Term Goals

Setting short-term goals can be a great way to stay motivated. Setting these goals is essential to make sure they are realistic and achievable. Having something specific to aim for allows you to measure your progress and stay on track with your exercise routine. This way, you won’t get discouraged if you don’t reach them in the allotted time frame.

For example, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds within the next two months, break this goal down into smaller, more achievable goals, such as losing one pound per week or running three times a week. This way, you’ll have something to work towards each and every day.

Additionally, tracking your workouts and noting when you hit certain milestones will help encourage you to keep going. For example, if you are trying to run an extra mile each week, make sure to note when you reach that goal. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated in the long term.

2) Listen To Music

It’s no secret that listening to music can help you stay motivated while you work out. In fact, a lot of people choose to listen to music specifically because it helps them get through their workout. There are a few different ways that music can help you stay motivated.

First, when you’re working out, listening to fast-paced music can make your workout easier. Music with a strong beat can help keep your heart rate up and push you through those challenging exercises. Second, listening to music that you enjoy can help take your mind off the pain and fatigue you may be feeling during a strenuous workout.

The best thing about using this type of motivation is that it is easily accessible to you. Platforms like Spotify make it easy to build your workout playlist in no time. However, it is essential to know how to use these platforms effectively in order to get the most out of them. For example, knowing how to unblock spotify or set up a workout playlist are essential skills for any fitness enthusiast.

3) Reward Yourself

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to reward yourself for meeting your fitness goals. Whether it’s a small reward such as buying yourself a new pair of running shoes or something bigger like taking a weekend trip, rewards can be great motivators for staying on track.

The key is ensuring the reward is something you will enjoy and look forward to. For example, if you know you love the taste of ice cream, reward yourself with a scoop after hitting your weekly goal. This way, you’ll start to associate exercise with pleasure instead of pain.

Another thing to keep in mind when rewarding yourself is not to go overboard. While it’s essential to recognize your accomplishments, overindulging in unhealthy habits doesn’t help your progress. Instead, opt for healthy rewards such as getting a massage or a manicure.

4) Find A Workout Buddy

Finally, one of the best ways to stay motivated with your exercise routine is to find a workout buddy. Having someone else to train with can be great for accountability and help you stay on track even when you don’t feel like it.

Not only that but exercising with a friend or family member can also make your workouts more enjoyable. After all, what better way to bond than by pushing each other toward achieving shared fitness goals? Plus, having someone there to cheer you on through challenging exercises can give you the extra boost of motivation you need every now and then.

If you don’t have any friends who are interested in exercising, consider joining a local gym or fitness center that offers group classes or personal training sessions. This way, you will have access to professionals who can help guide and motivate you throughout your journey.

Staying motivated with your exercise routine can be challenging at times. However, with the right strategies, such as setting short-term goals, listening to music, rewarding yourself for achievements, and finding a workout buddy, you can stay on track and ensure you are getting the most out of your workouts.