I’m not going to lie; despite being a “fitness influencer” and business owner in the fitness industry (where my job is literally to workout), I too have days where I just don’t want to get up and workout.

Sometimes it’s because I am completely burnt out, but other times its pure laziness. You know the difference when you feel it; it's when you have that energy in you to workout, but you’d rather not. YES, I too experience that; no one is exempt from this feeling.

Having said that, I wanted to share with you some of the ways I motivate myself to workout when I get this feeling of laziness, hoping that it will help you stop procrastinating, and start making movement a regular thing!

1. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Often times, when we start a workout routine, it comes from a place of wanting to look better; to fit into that new dress or bikini (which, by the way, is totally not a bad thing). I have found that it helps to also focus on how exercise makes me feel. When I start thinking about how good I feel after a good sweat, or how strong I feel after completing a challenging set, I remember the deeper reasons for my workout routine. Shift your focus to how it makes you feel for a while and you may be more likely to get up off the couch.

2. PLAN SHORTER WORKOUTS

And keep them short! When you plan for shorter workouts, they don’t feel as daunting and it gets you into the habit of moving on a regular basis. A workout could be as short as doing 20 squats and 20 lunges. Keep it short until you re-gain motivation; at least you’re moving!

3. CREATE A FUN PLAYLIST

Sometimes getting to the gym, or getting to a place in your home where you’re ready to workout, just takes some good music! I like to create a personal playlist of all the bada** songs I know, and put it on a loop. When I especially lack motivation for a more than a couple days, I do this for every workout so that I’m listening to something fresh every time. Another thing you can do is get the playlist going even before you get to the workout- this way you are hyping yourself up! My current workout playlist is: https://open.spotify.com/user/b2s9nm37miq5y4nkvhswy3i24/playlist/5cMnKDbupynenima6WKaY0?si=t1XXjdt2Q8W7eKdB146X5Q

4. SCHEDULING

If your health is really important to you, treat it like other things that are important to you. You make and schedule time for those things. Schedule your workouts and post the schedule somewhere you can see when you wake up or somewhere in your workspace. In addition to this, set a time daily that is set aside as "workout time", and keep it consistent. This way, it will become a part of your body’s rhythm and your body will know when it’s time to move! I like to move first thing in the morning. I wake up ready to workout or dance or go for a run!

5. ACCOUNTABILITY

Find a buddy that will workout with you! If you’re someone who likes to workout solo, just find a friend that will keep you accountable. Perhaps a morning text, or get them to give you a little nudge once in a while. Ultimately, this journey is for you but I find that when I feel like I’m letting someone else down if I don’t workout, I am more likely to show up and complete the workout!

6. GROUP FITNESS

This one is actually one of my favourite tips as I am an avid fitness-class-goer. I love trying new classes and challenging my body in new ways. Not only does this motivate me to workout, it also challenges the body in a way that won’t let your body plateau. Try a new spin class, pilates, or weight training class! And if you want to stay at home, try doing follow along videos like the ones you can find on my youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUUZFex6AaIU4QTopFudYA

7. REMEMBER YOUR REASON

Finally, remind yourself why you started working; and find the deep reason! Perhaps it is so that you can stay healthy so that you can conceive, or so you can stay healthy to take care of your parents, or to increase your confidence and challenge yourself even with other aspects of life. Whatever you personal journey is, it is important that you outline the reason you want to keep yourself healthy and fit. Write it down, and keep it in a place where you can always pull it out and look at it. This one always does the trick, even on the worst of days where I really don’t want to workout!

At the end of the day, life is hectic. But if you are making time for the things that are important to you, like exercising, you’re doing it right. Don’t beat yourself up for missed days, but do your best to prevent going into a de-motivated downward spiral with these tips! I know you have it in you to stay consistent and reach your goals.

Thanks for reading. Make sure you are subscribed to my newsletter for more tips, tricks, and free content.

xoxo,

Jo