Last Updated on October 26, 2024
Staying motivated to workout isn’t easy. Going to the gym after a stressful day at work seems pointless. Trying to cram in a workout between cooking dinner and cleaning the house seems impossible. Since consistent exercise is vital to managing your diabetes, it’s time to rekindle your relationship with your tennis shoes and workout clothes. We have a few tips to help you stay motivated to hit the gym:
Add variety
Try and change up your routine. If you’ve had the same fitness schedule for a while, you might be getting bored. Try doing different exercises or using different machines at the gym. If you always run the same route, try picking a different track. Go run downtown or down new roads. Not only will this add some excitement, but it can also help get past that workout plateau.
Find a friend
Finding a workout buddy can help rejuvenate your gym motivation. Having a friend can help motivate you those days you don’t want to go. Find a workout friend that has similar goals and a similar schedule. If you like to workout before work, find someone else that hits the gym early in the morning. If you have your workout partner have different goals or preferences, it can make scheduling difficult.
Set goals
You won’t stay motivated on your fitness journey if you don’t know where you are headed. Make sure you’re making goals and working towards them. Write down your specific goals and then track your progress. Having a “workout journal” or using a workout-logging app can help you keep track of your exercise at the gym.
Convenient
Find a way to make your workout convenient. Make your workout convenient as possible. Pick a gym that is close to your house. Find a place to run close to your work. The farther you have to go, the less likely you are to workout out. If you have the space and money, buy some basic equipment to keep in your house.
Use reminders
If you are just beginning your workout routine, sometimes you simply forget to do it. Set up reminders where you will see them. Put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror. Put your tennis shoes by the door. These will not only serve as reminders, but also as motivation when you don’t want to go.
Schedule your workouts
Put your workouts on the calendar. Write down your schedule and include your workout time in it. Having it on your schedule will show you that you have the time for it and make it more difficult to skip.
Reward yourself
Having a little extra reward (other than being healthy) can help spark your motivation. Make sure your reward doesn’t counteract your exercise. Don’t use food or sweets as a reward. Try using something like treating yourself to a massage, movie, or a small shopping trip.
Make it cost
If rewards don’t work for you, maybe paying will. Create a payment system to punish you for missing a workout. Make a pact that if you skip the gym or miss a run, you will pay $5 to your favorite charity or your workout buddy. Losing money is one of the best motivators.
Join a class
If you’re looking to mix it up and make friends, join a class at your gym or YMCA. Look for a class that fits your goals. Most gyms and YMCAs offer spinning, yoga, water aerobics, and much more to motivate you. Not only will the group fitness help you stay motivated, the extra cost will keep you going to avoid wasting money.
Have a “backup plan”
Everyday is different. Life can throw curves balls at you. Make sure you have a “backup plan” for days when you can’t seem to get to the gym. Have a simple at-home workout plan. There are tons of workout plans that you don’t need any equipment for. Don’t let your bad day keep you from working out.
Staying motivated to reach your fitness goals can be difficult. Everybody’s life includes unique challenges and difficulties. Use these tips to find what motivates you to stay fit.
