The alarm clock goes off and you hit the snooze button. Just one more minute! It goes off again. And again. And before you know it you’re cuddled back in your sheets getting an extra half hour of sleep instead of working out. “I’ll try again tomorrow.” Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. No shame!
The interesting thing about our brain is that it can quite literally be trained (to a certain degree.) When we experience periods of being dormant due to illness, being unmotivated or even the cold weather, our brains and bodies become comfortable in that restful state and it can be difficult to break the cycle. Even an experienced athlete might find it tough to get back into training after time off. It’s completely natural and understandable given how our brains love routine.
The good news is that no matter what your reasoning is for feeling unmotivated to workout, it is a quick fix! Notice I didn’t say an “easy fix.” But quick in the sense that in this moment, right now, you can make one decision to get you back on track.
Just Start.
The only way you will become motivated to move is to create a new routine or reclaim a past routine. The cool thing about working out is that you actually don’t have to be motivated. Ever. You just have to be consistent. You have to trick your brain into thinking that it is the most important part of its day (in my opinion, it kind of is!) Listening to your body is very different than listening to your brain. If your body is telling you that you’re over exhausted, sore or in pain, then of course, rest. Once you’re in your workout routine, rest is just as important as movement. But if it’s your brain giving you reasons (excuses) not to do it? You see, that’s when you need to do it the most.
Most people would probably say “start slow.” I get it. You don’t want to go from zero to a thousand only to fall somewhere in the teens the next morning feeling defeated (and sore af, lol.) I can see how that could make someone want to give up. But I say…
Start however you want.
Want to do a 10 minute pilates Youtube video in your bedroom? Go for it. A 30 minute outdoor walk? Amazing. A 45 minute Barry’s class? Golden! As long as you are dedicating time to moving your body in some way, that is all that matters, especially at the beginning. No matter what you choose to get yourself moving again-trust that it’s the right choice. The hard part is over. You got the first one out of the way. Now, where to go from here? Well, that depends on your goals. Not sure of your goals? Cool! Wake up tomorrow and do the exact same thing you did today and see how you feel (unless, of course, you can’t move today. Maybe choose something different, lol.)
What we’re looking for here is consistency, not perfection. We’re not even looking for motivation yet. You can’t force motivation. The motivation will come with consistency. We are simply trying to train the brain to understand that it enjoys what we are doing. It’s going to give you the endorphins, dopamine and serotonin each time you workout, whether you enjoy it or not. A healthy way to enhance the experience and increase motivation is to remember that
Working out is a privilege not a punishment.
I’ll never forget the morning after the horrific Boston marathon bombing. The innocent people running to support causes, running to better themselves and to help others. Their lives were forever changed, unfairly and unthinkably, and for some, they were taken. I’ve never enjoyed running and I’ve never run for longer than a bit here and there. But the next day I found myself on the treadmill. I had to run. Run for those that no longer could. Run to remind myself what a privilege it is to be able to move my body. Movement should be celebrated. It might not always be enjoyed but it should be celebrated. And once you see even the slightest difference in your mood and/or your body-that is where motivation jumps in to make hitting that snooze button wildly unattractive.
The right outfit can change your mood.
Once again, this is all about tricking our minds into thinking that working out is the most exciting and important thing that we’re going to do all day! You would never show up to the office wearing pjs-unless, of course, you work from home. Then, it’s a right of passage.
Act like the version of yourself that you want to become-this is especially important when it comes to clothing. You’d be surprised at the boost you can get from the right activewear. Putting on your favorite workout gear tells your mind and body that it’s time to get to work. Feeling amazing in what you’re wearing can lead to increased energy, motivation and confidence. I’m telling you, nothing gets me moving quicker than this outfit right here. It’s like putting on my hero cape and reminding myself how strong I am. Find what makes you feel your best…and then buy it in every color!
Your mind thinks thousands of thoughts each day. Some are fleeing garbage that can come in and leave just as quickly with the door hitting them on the way out. Others may stick around for a bit and inspire you to keep becoming the person that you truly want to be. Why not tell your mind that exercise is one of the greatest privileges on this planet. That it doesn’t have to be perfect. After all, no human is. Remind it that motivation won’t always exist, especially during life’s darker moments. But it will come back. Once you give your brain and your body a taste of what it’s been missing, well, it simply won’t be able to resist. Try new and scary things. Go to a yoga class or a HIIT class. If you’re out on a walk, try running for a minute. Don’t worry about who is watching (trust me, no one is.) Find what movement lights you up and just stay consistent. I always say, “you never feel worse after a workout,” unless you’re sick or injured. In which case, the couch will do just fine.
