6 Movement Motivation Tips

Consistency is hard, period. Life has a way of getting in the way of exercise and once we're out of the habit....ugh, it's even harder to get back to working out! If you're stuck, or struggle with keeping consistent, check out these 5 Motivation Tips.

1. Give It 10 Minutes

Try giving the workout 10 minutes. You may really not want to workout and be close to cancelling....show up and give it 10 minutes. You may find that something switches over in your body and you'll start to enjoy the exercise and continue the workout. If after 10 minutes you are not feeling it, stop! Congratulate yourself for showing up and giving it a try, and acknowledge your body will be ready another day.

2. Set Yourself Encouraging Reminders

This one I'm borrowing from my husband. When he has to do something that is easy to put out of his head or put off, he records an voice note for the reminder alarm on his phone. Sometimes it is just a cheerful reminder. Sometimes it includes his "why." For example, "Time to turn off screens so you'll feel better in the morning!"

I think this works especially well for people who need reminded of their motivation--their "why." It also works well for folx who do better having control over their actions. So, if you get annoyed real quick with reminders from other people to exercise, maybe reminder yourself!

3. Try Group Fitness

This is a great method for those that do well with a little external accountability. When you sign up for a group fitness class, you've carved out a spot on your calendar and now you know that the instructor and other members in the class are expecting you to show up! So you do! The funny thing is you may not even know the other members' names, but you'll develop a sense of a community that wants the best for you, and wants you to show up.

4. Do Something Different

Perhaps your motivation is sluggish because you really don't like what you've been doing? Maybe it worked for you for a while but you are ready for a refresh! Look around and check out opportunities online and in your local community for exercise and movement. Sports like pickleball, golf, roller derby, and other adult team leagues could be a fun new source of exercise to try. Or, maybe a different type of group fitness class or a new type of workout (e.g., resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, etc.).

Not sure you're ready for such a change? How about doing your normal workout in a different space? Or, doing your workout backwards? Get creative!

5. Gamify It

My friend Lisa is really motivated by stickers. She is a grown, adult professional woman and will work hard for a fun sticker. I have other clients that really love the way our Movement App celebrates your strength wins by equating how much you lifted to an animal (e.g., "You lifted an elephant today!") or the badges and personal record tracking. All of these people are a little competitive, and that is just fine! The game and record structure help keep them focused and celebrating their achievements.

6. Get a Personal Trainer

This one is obviously cost prohibitive for a lot of people, but it is a pretty sure fire way to help you stay consistent if it is in your budget. It works because working with a Certified Personal Trainer means they are going to keep things fresh for you, they will pay attention to what is going on in your body and your world, and help steer your training program so that you don't get bored and you stay motivated. They can also help you listen to your body when it needs to rest, gamify training when you need, and probably give you a sticker.

It may also not be as expensive as you think. Some CPT's offering packages with less one on one time, but guidance and support, and that light touch is enough to help with consistency. Those packages will be less expensive. Buying sessions in bulk through packages usually makes working with a CPT cheaper, and some people are able to get it "prescribed" and covered through insurance (this takes working with your doctor).

Personal Training sessions at The Movement are $35 for a 30-minute online session (goes down to $30 when buying packages), and $55 for a home-visit. But, we also offer a 4-week Package that includes 1 session with your Trainer, 4-weeks of custom programming and support from your trainer, and our Movement App (gamify it!) for $85. Kinda like a higher end gym membership (in Toledo at least), but you get custom 1:1 support. Point is, there are options out there if you find yourself looking into a trainer to help keep you motivated!

Biggest Tip of All: Just Keep Trying

Seriously, your motivation to exercise will come and go. Don't waste time and energy beating yourself up, just try a different motivation tactic and keep going.