We’ve all been through periods where motivation to work out is sky high – PBs are being smashed on a regular basis, and going to the gym feels like a hobby more than a chore. But it’s only natural for this to wear off. When this does happen and motivation drops to an all-time low, the gym suddenly starts to feel like a slog, enjoyment stops, and your body starts to feel weaker. Often, this is a mental battle more than a physical battle, so we’ve put together a few simple ways you can rekindle fitness motivation.
Find A Routine That Works
The first thing to look at when your gym motivation dries up is your routine. There’s no right or wrong time to go to the gym, and the optimal time will vary from one gym goer to the next (although studies suggest muscle function and strength are at their highest between 2pm and 6pm). For some people, the idea of waking up and going straight to the gym sounds like hell. For others, working out after a hard day at work just isn’t feasible, especially if you’re working a physical job.
Try to vary the time you go to the gym to see which one works for you and your body, whether that’s squeezing in a lunchtime workout on your dinner break, exercising late at night, or any other time of the day.
Journal
You may not think of journaling as a way to rekindle gym motivation, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Getting your goals and performance down on paper can help you to visualise progress and streamline your workouts.
Gym journaling can allow you to review your previous performance before heading to the gym. This will help you put a plan together for your sessions in terms of exercises, weight, and reps. Without this, you may find yourself lifting the wrong weight, which could easily cause you to become bored if you’re workouts are too easy or disheartened if you’re trying to lift too much.
Mix It Up
Switching up your training is one of the best ways to maintain motivation. Even our favourite forms of exercise can become boring after a certain period of time, so it can be good to throw in something different to prevent things from getting repetitive.
A good option can be to combine your fitness with a new sport. For instance, instead of getting your cardio from a treadmill, find a local boxing gym to put you through your paces or head out for a game of tennis with a friend. If you can maintain fitness while participating in a sport you enjoy, you may find that exercise stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling fun again!
Look Good, Feel Good
Have you ever treated yourself to a new gym set and found yourself in a much better mood the first time you rock it in the gym? That’s because when we feel we look at our best, we often feel at our best and subsequently can perform at our best.
Apply this thinking to the gym, and instead of throwing on an old, unwanted T-shirt and the first pair of shorts you can find, treat yourself to some trendy sportswear. Brands that offer premium activewear include the likes of Alo, Castore, and A-Game. Try saving up to shop at one of these more premium brands and see if you feel the impact in terms of your performance.
