What to Do When You’ve Lost the Motivation to Exercise
Thanks to Elle Woods, it has become well-known that “exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands…” This thought may have worked for a while, but 20 years later the motivation to exercise may be dwindling.
We all know that it’s good for us, we hear it all the time! But easier said than done. When you’d rather go back to bed or spend the day in front of the TV, how do you find the motivation to exercise?
Benefits of Exercising
Other than the obvious benefit of shedding those few extra pounds, exercise has numerous psychological benefits as well. Reduced anxiety and depression, stress management, and a sharper memory are all added advantages.
You don’t have to run a marathon to reap these mental and physical benefits. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day is enough to get your blood pumping.
Probably the biggest perk of all is the feeling of accomplishment and well-being. It’s a great way to improve your mood naturally and give that little energy boost we could all use.
Tips for Motivation to Exercise
Life is busy and it can be easy to find an excuse not to work out. You’ve got to make up your mind that you want to do it and these ideas can help:
- Personal Accountability
- Find a work-out buddy
- Get some new workout gear
- Take a group fitness class
- Personal training
- Reward System
Personal Accountability
Setting aside a specific time each day for physical exercise is a great start. If it’s in your calendar, there is a greater chance that you will follow through.
Look at your workout as a goal for the day and write it down! Studies show that both men and women performed better and were more likely to achieve their goals when they were written down.
Don’t just squeeze it in your calendar either. Make it exciting! Circle it, highlight it, make it stand out from your other tasks. Remember, this is a great mental break for your day that can help you perform your other tasks better.
Two is Better Than One
Working out with a friend is a great way to ensure you get that sweat session in. Accountability can help create that needed motivation that you may not have otherwise.
Gym meet-ups are the new happy hour. Set aside a time to hit the gym with your bestie and tackle that workout together. Try out a group fitness class and learn something new!
Try New Fitness Gear
When you look good, you feel good…but it’s really more than that. Having the proper exercise attire can improve your overall performance and help you out in the long run.
Good-quality sneakers and proper-fitting, breathable clothing are a great start. Don’t go out and spend a fortune on name-brand items, but don’t settle for the cheapest articles either if they aren’t going to last. Consider this purchase an investment in your fitness journey.
Group Fitness Classes
Fitness classes are a great way to shake up the mundane. At Fitness CF we have several different class options to meet your fitness level and your schedule.
From Zumba and spinning to pilates and yoga, you are sure to find the perfect workout class! Our certified instructors will help give you the encouragement to get through the class and finish strong – even if you’ve never participated before.
CF Fitness Class Options
CF Fitness has several health clubs located in central Florida, each with its own class schedule to meet your needs. These include both high and low-impact fitness classes, as well as the Silver Sneakers program for seniors.
Classes include LesMills BodyAttack, BodyCombat, BodyFlow, BodyPump, BodyStep, Core, Sprint, Sh’Bam, BodyJam and RPM. Plus, Cycle, 20/20/20 Action, Yoga, Pilates Mat, Power Yoga, Strong, Zumba, Barre, Flex, Kickboxing, TRX Suspension Training, Step Aerobics, Creative Conditioning, Barre, XCO Latin Workout, Hot Yoga, HEAT, Yogalates and DAP.
Personal Training
If you don’t know where exactly to start, personal training might be the perfect place. This one-on-one approach is tailored to your body and your goals. Regardless of your age or stage of fitness, this option can get you headed in the right direction.
Small personal training classes of 6 people or less are also available. This option gives you the focused attention of a trainer, while still maintaining a down-sized feel of group fitness.
Reward Yourself
It may come across as childish, but providing incentives to complete tasks is scientifically proven to work! Believe it or not, there is an actual reward pathway to the brain. The mesolimbic dopamine system is the “key detector of a rewarding stimulus”.
Our body’s natural response to rewards will flag that pathway and say, “Hey, we liked that. Let’s do it again!”
The rewards don’t have to be anything major – something as simple as throwing in a five-dollar bill every time you complete a fitness class. Once you save up $100 you can treat yourself to something you really enjoy!
Join Us at VIM Fitness
VIM Fitness has all of the tools you need to bring back that motivation to exercise. Try out a fitness class, talk to a personal trainer and learn how we can help you out.
Our trainers and coaches can set help get you on the path to achieving your fitness goals. Contact us today with any questions or swing by one of our locations. We can’t wait to see you!
