Staying Motivated

5 Ways to Stay Motivated to Exercise

By Annelise Tripp

I hear it often - “I know exercise is good for me, but I just can’t get myself to stick to it!” Hiring a trainer to give you a specific plan and hold you accountable is one option, but there are many free things you could try first.

1. Choose your own daily goal

It is important to both WANT and feel ABLE to achieve your goal. Feeling like we “should” is a big enough barrier that we simply won’t do it. Make a list of 5-10 healthy habits you would like to start. Then rank on a scale of 1-5 how much you (a) WANT to do that habit and (b) how much you feel you are ABLE to. Then start with the habit that ranks highest in both of those categories. After 4-8 weeks of sticking to it, repeat the process!

2. Involve a friend

Ask a friend to be your exercise accountability buddy. You don't even have to have the same goal! In the morning, share what exercise you plan to do today and then check in with each other later. You may find that simply not wanting to let your accountability buddy down is enough motivation! Plus you’ll get to stay in contact with a close friend more regularly. 3. Use reminders Set a reminder on your phone or calendar at the time you plan to exercise, so it doesn’t slip your mind. It’s easy to forget when you’re not in the habit yet! 4. Stay compassionate and consistent

Many of us tend to be WAY too hard on ourselves. Pick 1 movement goal each day and expect that some days, you will fail to do it. Don’t let this stop you from trying again the next day. Consistency is more important than intensity!

5. Have fun with it!

Try out different types of exercise until you find some that you enjoy! When you find that you actually enjoy movement, you’ll be way more motivated to continue with it.