I have taken about a two week break from exercise, due to my job being pretty busy this time of year! Today I made myself get up early, and after ’snoozing’ for twenty minutes, I dragged myself out of bed. Here are some tips that I follow when I really *need* to do that workout and have no motivation:
1. Progress Not Perfection - I am really working on this right now in all areas of my life. In the past, if I could not find time in my schedule to workout, I would bag the whole week. I’m truly a perfectionist. This week I’ve only managed to fit it into my schedule once so far, but I have to be happy with that. I’m making progress, and I’m trying not to be perfectionistic. You know why? Because then I’d just do nothing!
2. Do *Something.* - Even if you don’t have time for a nice, long workout, decide to do something! Take action! You might only have time for a brisk walk during your lunch hour at work. That is so much better than nothing. I workout with kettlebells, and I find I have little excuse to exercise because just ten minutes with that weight elevates my heart rate and works my whole body.
3. Lay out your workout clothes. - I’m not kidding. It sounds pretty lame, but it’s so true! The idea is to eliminate as many excuses as possible. Lay out your workout clothes before you go to bed, and in the morning, that will be one less thing you have to think about. If you don’t feel like exercising in the morning, throw your clothes on anyway and chances are, you won’t let yourself slack off.
4. Get your other gear ready ahead of time. - Whether you take a duffel bag to the gym or workout in your own living room, get your gear together the night before. Again, this is to save you time and eliminate excuses. Throw your water bottle into your bag. If you workout at home, put your video in the DVD player so you’re all ready to go when you’re tired and it’s early in the morning!
I hope that those few small tips will help you when you’re not motivated to exercise. Now get to it!
I have taken about a two week break from exercise, due to my job being pretty busy this time of year! Today I made myself get up early, and after ’snoozing’ for twenty minutes, I dragged myself out of bed. Here are some tips that I follow when I really *need* to do that workout and have no motivation:
1. Progress Not Perfection - I am really working on this right now in all areas of my life. In the past, if I could not find time in my schedule to workout, I would bag the whole week. I’m truly a perfectionist. This week I’ve only managed to fit it into my schedule once so far, but I have to be happy with that. I’m making progress, and I’m trying not to be perfectionistic. You know why? Because then I’d just do nothing!
2. Do *Something.* - Even if you don’t have time for a nice, long workout, decide to do something! Take action! You might only have time for a brisk walk during your lunch hour at work. That is so much better than nothing. I workout with kettlebells, and I find I have little excuse to exercise because just ten minutes with that weight elevates my heart rate and works my whole body.
3. Lay out your workout clothes. - I’m not kidding. It sounds pretty lame, but it’s so true! The idea is to eliminate as many excuses as possible. Lay out your workout clothes before you go to bed, and in the morning, that will be one less thing you have to think about. If you don’t feel like exercising in the morning, throw your clothes on anyway and chances are, you won’t let yourself slack off.
4. Get your other gear ready ahead of time. - Whether you take a duffel bag to the gym or workout in your own living room, get your gear together the night before. Again, this is to save you time and eliminate excuses. Throw your water bottle into your bag. If you workout at home, put your video in the DVD player so you’re all ready to go when you’re tired and it’s early in the morning!
I hope that those few small tips will help you when you’re not motivated to exercise. Now get to it!
~ Rachel