Often we have a brief moment of excitement or a burst of energy followed by 
some motivation to get the body moving. And often these moments are temporary and will fade into an after thought. Well…..I have a few tips that I use to get my butt into gear, maybe you can use some of these tips yourself to get going? Have a look:
1) Set a consistent time for your work out. Make it habit!
2) Prior to the workout visualize yourself having a fabulous workout! Mental preparation….GO STRONG!
3) Set up a punishment list for missing workouts. Skip the workout, you owe your spouse, good friend, child, somebody! Make sure you have this pre-arranged so they can hold you accountable!
4) Remember the hardest part of the workout is often getting your butt started! Once you get a few minutes into your routine, you will be on your way. So remind yourself, “I’ll just go in and do 1 set of the first 2 
exercises, then I can goâ€Β. Before you know it… you’ll have finished the entire workout.
5) Find a workout partner…If you have a workout partner you don’t want to let them down (more accountability). Or create a blog that you can share your fitness journey with, check out 360 degrees of DC, Annette’s Awakening and DaDiva’s Street for some incredible examples!
6) Crank the tunes! I can’t think of anything that motivates me like music.
7) Reward yourself. Finish your workout and treat yourself to a TV show, some extra time with your family, some new songs for your IPOD, or even a little extra time for yourself.
8)Review your goals everyday. Keeping your goals fresh in your mind will help you stay on track. Journal it use online resources like Fitday.
Think about it? Who is in control? YOU are! Time to get the butt moving!
“Life is NOT a journey in which you tip-toe to the grave, but rather you slide in loudly proclaiming! WOW, what a ride!!!
40 users commented in " Workout Motivation "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackA long time ago someone once told me the hardest part of working out isn’t the actual workout, it’s putting your workout clothes on! Once they are on, what else are you going to do??
#2 – is important. Stay positive! Staying active is for your health, without your health what do you have??
Good list! #1 and #6 are crucial for me. I exercise right after my paid workday ends. I don’t consider my workday as over until the exercise session is finished.
As for music, I told someone recently that my ipod shuffle was the best exercise equipment I bought. π
Great tips. Thanks!
@Stacey,Yes! thanks for the feedback!
@cammy,I happen to agree! π
@Diana, thank you!
#1 is most important – and hardest – for me. #6 is great, but watching a little tube is what gets me through a good workout (at least a cardio workout). Going to the gym, having a babysitter watch my kids, and watching WHATEVER I WANT on the TV – now that’s motivation!
Thanks Mark
We are definitely in control of our exercise routine. Sometimes I wish someone else was but…
Thanks for the link! I’m hoping to get more people joining in on the virtual walk to North Platte!
Hey, Mark, great post! I do visualize myself finishing a workout, that one of the things I do. When I have a rough time forcing myself to workout, I just remember what happened when I didn’t do it at all. Since it isn’t a great feeling, I start moving. Next time, I will try to remember your other tips. π
It’s much easier to keep the wheel turning than to get the wheel started.
Great ideas for motivation!
Numbers 5,6 & 8 really help keep me going. Blogging helps me stay accountable, Plugging into the iPod helps me get through my workouts & reviewing my goals keep me from straying too far off track! Thx for the shout! π
@cathy, Indeed it is!
@Dr. Hubbard, I agree! Thanks!
@Donnalouise, Let’s get some more signed up!
@Rosy,You are right on! Thanks!
@Strong One, Absolutely!
@DaDivaStreet, Thank you for the great blog!
i love the tips M, I too have to have a partner and my tunes!!!!
The getting started thing – it’s a big deal – because that really is the hardest part. It’s hard to start because it’s easy to put off. I’ll do it later…and then later never comes. Great reminders Mark!
I love Fitday! Thanks for the link love Mark! Working out really just involves getting off your butt and getting started……….one you are into it five minutes, you most likely will continue π The happy high you get is sooo worth a little pain!
amen to it all. the JUST DOING IT. my heart is breaking watching a friend struggling with her health with no viable life lengthening options out there.
i cant lie that it makes me mad that, sometimes, those of us (waves hand) who can exercise and have health dont take advantage of it.
I’ve used every trick i can think of to get me going! I don’t know what I’ll find today, but I’ll find something! That’s really been the key, I always find something π
Thanks Mark! I’m going to link this post in tomorrow’s blog because these are exactly the things I need to get my butt in gear!
π
1,2, and 4 are big ones for me. I’ve tried 5,6, and 8 and they work pretty well too. Should consider 7… and I really like the idea of 3. That’s clever!
Okay, I think I’ve finally found a strategy that works, and is related to: 1) Set a consistent time for your work out. Make it habit!
I joined a gym just down the road (hill actually) from work. I have scheduled gym and fitness class time into my work Outlook, so that reminders pop up. Reminder pops up, grab my gym bag (which is bright pink and sitting on a chair in my office, so can’t be ignored) and head down the hill. It’s working!
Good tips! ;D
Thanks for this post – have been in a workout SLUMP lately for some reason. sigh
Must. Get. moving!
It’s like you can read my motivation-ally challenged mind. Thanks Mark!
I liked how you mentioned my cousin, IPOD, in this post, Mark.
Thanks!
#4 is totally true for me. Sometimes its early and I don’t want to do anything, but once I get going, I’m fine. Afterwards I’m always glad I did what I planned to do.
Neat tips! I think having a consistant time is the best way to just make it part of your life!
@bobbi,Yes!
@Lance,I agree!
@Annette,FitDay is a good resource…yes once you get going you are well on your way! π
@Miz,Sorry about your friend Miz…we sometimes take our health for granted. Thank you for sharing.
@Dr.J,Find something! Awesome!
@IzzyBeth,I look forward to it Izzy! π
@Sagan,Thanks as always for your feedback!
@Urban Panther, Fantastic! Reward yourself!
@Marcy, Thanks Marcy!
@Missicat,You will do great!
@kd@abitsquirrelly, Of course! π
@POD,Haha! Cool cousin! π
@Blake,So true!
@Tipper,Thanks!
I made exercise (at least once a week) and drink some water every day non-negotiables like brushing teeth. The non-negotiable status helped make the habits stick longer term.
And ditto on getting over the resistance to exercise which is why I do the 5 minutes is better than nothin’ thing. Once I get into my 5 min workout, the resistance is gone cuz then I get “Well, might as well do another 10 since you’re already here.” Then that 10 stretches into the whole 40. Works every time..lol!
#7 reward yourself – great that you’ve suggested non-food related rewards…I think many people make the mistake of linking ‘naughty food’ with reward systems.
If I can, I’d like to add http://www.comotivate.com to your list of helpful resources – it combines tips #5 and #8 and might help a few folks.
i will have that burst of energy, do well for a few days, something would happen and then i start missing my exercise time. my goal is to set a time in the morning to do something/anything and once i get myself going, i’m good. right now i lift hand weights while sitting at my computer.
I think making it a habit, music and having a partner will really make a difference for me. You are right about the hardest part being getting going.
@Stephanie,”non-negotiable” I like it! Thanks for your feedback!
@Matt,Thanks for your input Matt!
@Natural,That is good to be doing something…great job!
@Heidi,Very true Heidi! π
#4 always works for me – interesting how you can trick your mind, isn’t it?
I completely agree with setting up a consistent time. For me, morning works best.
@FatFighter, It sure is!
@Vered, Morning is good for me as well! π
Great list! It’s so true about just getting started. Once you start, the next time is so much easier, and so on.
Yes, the hardest part is to get my butt started! My big tummy is my motivation to get myself work out!
I agree! It is good to find ways to keep yourself motivated to continue exercising. Find an activity that you enjoy and you will be more likely to stick with it for the long term.
Mark – this post is just what I needed today!! Never have problems getting motivated to run, but man I can drag my arse when it comes to swimming and biking…
Hire a trainer!! I get, “I wouldn’t have come in if I didn’t have an appointment with you.” all of the time.