Tips to get back your workout motivation

What causes a lack of motivation?

As a health adviser, I’m aware that a lot of people struggle with motivation to exercise. There are lot of reasons why you might be finding it hard to be active.

• Stress and anxiety can make it harder to be more active.
• The cold and darkness of the winter months can make going outside less appealing.
• Having to manage responsibilities such as working from home or looking after children can mean that exercise gets pushed to the bottom of your to-do list.

But, getting more exercise can help boost our mood, and may make us feel less stressed. Below are my top tips for getting moving again.

How do I get motivated to exercise?

1. Set yourself realistic goals

If you’re really struggling to find motivation right now, then it might not be a good time to set yourself a huge challenge. Maybe instead you could set smaller and more achievable goals.

These might include getting out for a walk every day or going for a run twice a week. If you don’t like being outside when it’s dark, why not try home workouts? You’re more likely to stick to a plan that feels achievable, and enjoyable.

2. Celebrate the small wins

Breaking down your main goal into smaller steps is also a good way to get motivated. Maybe you would like to run 5K eventually, but your first goal could be to run 2K without stopping.

Reflecting on, and celebrating, your achievements along the way will help to keep you feeling positive.

3. Stop comparing yourself to other people

Feeling a sense of competition can be motivating, but it can also be easy to look at what other people have achieved and feel bad about our own efforts. This can make you feel very unmotivated. If this happens, try to focus on your own goals and the things you would like to achieve instead.

4. Think about the benefits

Try to think about why you want to be more active. Perhaps you want to get fitter, to spend quality time with your children or to be outside in nature. Reflect on these reasons when you are finding it hard to stick to your plan. You could even try writing them down and sticking them somewhere you see often, like the fridge.

5. Prepare for setbacks

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you lose motivation again. Try to reflect on why you’re finding it more difficult to be active and adjust your goals to meet your needs.