“How can I motivate myself to work out?”
Ah, that old question again!
I wonder if you’ve asked yourself that question as much as I have?
For years, I felt guilty saying it to myself every time. And, maybe worse than that, I didn’t realise my goals were hindering me.
So, hoping it helps you, I’m sharing what I did wrong. Plus, what I do now!
It took 10+ years of frustration and trial and error to learn what I’m about to share with you — so please use it to fast-track your success. And avoid the continuous guilt and negative self-talk you have, wondering how to motivate yourself to work out.
Stop feeling unmotivated to work out and discover these instead:
- The #1 mistake we make when it comes to exercise.
- The one thing you need to do to exercise more.
- How to motivate yourself to exercise by doing the opposite of your goal.
- The secret I use to motivate myself.
An Important Question
Before we dig in, let me ask you this — what’s your exercise goal?
4 exercise classes a week? If so, I love it. I love that you aim high — and want to be the best version of yourself.
I must share something else with you though. The truth is, that right now, your goal is sabotaging you — like it did me.
Why? Because your goal’s too big.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have big goals. But, when you’re struggling with motivation, starting small is always the way to go.
“How Can I Motivate Myself to Work Out?”
The #1 Thing You Can Do Right Now
DREAM BIG, START SMALL
Whenever you’re struggling to do anything you want to do, the best approach is to turn your big goals into small ones.
Starting with small goals gives you time to develop the discipline, habits and skills you need for your big goal.
For example, if your goal is 4 workouts a week, aim to finish there — but don’t start there.
Go small first.
For example, start with 1 class a week. And once you’re doing that consistently, aim for 2. Then 3. Then 4.
Motivating Myself to Workout
For me, my ideal week is 5x 30-minute workouts — 2 cardio, 2 strength training and 1 body balance.
But, yep, you guessed it! I started small (once I realised my big goal was sabotaging my success that is).
I started with 10 minutes of exercise each day 4 times a week.
When You Fall of the Bandwagon
Another technique I use to motivate myself is fewer classes.
For example, a few months back, I struggled to find my motivation for exercising regularly.
Rather than do nothing though, I decided to reset myself by going small.
Like this:
- Week 1 & 2 – one class a week
- Week 3 & 4 – two classes
- Week 5 & 6 – three classes
- Week 7 & 8 – four classes
- Week 9 & 10 – five classes
Small? Yep. Slow? Yes. Successful? Absolutely.
This is my secret and it’s the one thing you can do right now to motivate yourself to work out more.
How To Start Small & Motivate Yourself To Exercise
Now you know the secret to being more motivated to work out, here are some ideas for how you can:
- Do a 10-minute YouTube class every morning—try HIIT, pilates or weights.
- Go to one gym class a week. Make it an experiment — try different ones to discover your favourite.
- Play Taylor Swift and dance like no one’s watching (because they’re not!) for 5 mins before work.
- Go on a 10-minute walk on your lunch.
- Ask Alexa to play “All 90s” then do 20 kettlebell swings.
- Plan a weekly walking date with your friend.
- Tap “Workout Playlist” on Spotify, do 10 jumping jacks, 10 squats, 5 push-ups and a 30-second plank.
One Workout Is Better Than No Workout
One workout a week, or 10 minutes a day, makes a difference — even if you don’t think it does.
One workout makes you feel better, improves your health and reduces low moods.
Importantly, it build your confidence in yourself — because you did what you said you would.
In fact, research shows any amount of exercise benefits you compared to doing nothing.
And nothing is where we end up if we start too big — right?
So, why not consider going small first?
And once you’re doing your small thing consistently, add to it.
That’s how you get motivated to work out consistently.
And, consistency is key to your health and happiness.
So, remember this — small and steady wins the race over the long term. Always.
Your Free Health Guide
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Now it’s Over to You
What small exercise can you commit to for two weeks? Let me know at becky@beckyholliday.com.
You’ve got this.
With love,
Becky x