Table of Contents
We all go through phases where we lose motivation in the gym, but that doesn’t mean that you just have to put up with it. We’re here with 5 simple ways to help you regain motivation in the gym, from getting some clothes that look and feel great to mixing up your routine or finding a gym buddy. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference the little things can make, so get ready to regain your motivation!
Get Yourself Some New Gymwear
First up, get yourself some new gymwear. When you’re wearing clothes that don’t fit you properly, don’t make you feel great or overall just don’t make you feel motivated, then it’s no surprise you’re not raring to go to the gym. You need to find clothes that support you and fit you well, as well as make you feel good, so nothing holds you back through your workout. For example, you may currently have a sports bra that just isn’t right for your workouts, or perhaps your yoga outfits are too restrictive. So, find replacements or maybe try loungewear for your yoga instead! Wearing a great outfit for your exercise can give you the boost you need to get back into the swing of things.
Make Sure You’re Eating Enough
Another good tip when it comes to regaining your motivation is to make sure you’re eating enough. When you’re trying to ‘be good’ or lose weight, it can be tempting to cut down on what you’re eating; however, often this can cause you to lose a lot of energy and therefore, not feel up to the gym. Instead, you should be fueling your body with lean protein sources, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and slow-releasing carbohydrates to give your body what it needs to be able to exercise and thrive in the gym. You can still lose weight while eating enough for your body to feel energized, so if a lack of energy seems to be the current issue, then revise your diet and incorporate more foods that will help you smash your goals!
Go With A Friend
For many people, the lack of motivation comes from the build-up of getting to the gym, and then when they’re actually there, they’re fine. So, if this is the issue for you and you want some accountability, then go with a friend. Organize a couple of sessions a week where you know the time and place you’re going with a friend and it will help to keep you both motivated. Whether this is a gym session, a run, an exercise class, or a sports club, going with a friend can make a real difference. If you’ve not got friends or family nearby, you could keep in touch with them via message as a form of accountability to keep you on track.
Try Different Exercises
If you find you’re getting bored of doing the same thing over and over again in the gym, and this is where your lack of motivation is coming from, then it’s time to mix it up. Mixing up your routine can make a huge difference in your motivation, helping to keep you engaged and interested. Plus, it can benefit your fitness as a whole when you have a more holistic view rather than sticking to one specific type of training.
For example, if you currently lift weights 5 times a week, try condensing your exercises into three sessions (e.g., push, pull, and legs), then use the other two days for something different. This might be joining a running club, doing fitness classes at the gym, trying out pilates, or focusing more on bodyweight movements like press-ups and pull-ups that help to support your overall strength. If you currently run 5 days a week to train for a marathon, do the reverse and add in a weights session, as you will find that you benefit from that when you’re running too.
Exercise doesn’t just have to mean lifting weights, running, or doing something really intense. It can be any kind of movement that is good for your body and feels good! So, try to shift your view of exercise slightly and try out some different things, as it can make the biggest difference.
Set Measurable Goals
Last but not least, if you struggle to find the motivation to go to the gym because you’re not working towards something, you should set some measurable goals. While things like wanting to get stronger or lose weight are valid goals, there is no clear end or something to work towards, so setting regular, measurable goals will help you stay focused on your journey.
For example, rather than saying “I want my back to get bigger”, instead perhaps you focus on being able to do 10 reps of a lat pull-down on a particular weight, or 10 bodyweight pushups on your toes. If you do yoga, rather than saying “I want to get more flexible”, you could focus on being able to touch your toes in a particular posture and gradually working towards that. Figure out some more specific goals that align with your overall goals, then work towards these smaller goals to get where you want to be and stay motivated along the way!
