Ok let’s face it, working out regularly takes a lot of motivation and dedication, and even more to work out from home by yourself.
For some people it seems to come a lot easier, whereas for others it’s always an uphill battle.
Coming from someone who used to have an exercise addiction, it’s safe to say I didn’t have a hard time getting motivated to workout (lol). However, now I am working hard to make sure I don’t fall back into my old ways in order to maintain a healthy relationship with exercise – you can learn more about that in this blog post!
But if you fall into the more popular category of finding it hard to keep yourself motivated to exercise, then this post is for you.
Here are 5 tips to get or stay motivated to work out from home
1. Find a workout you like
This is huge! If you dread what you are going to do (no matter what the activity) you are waaaay less likely to do it no matter where you are.
You do not have to exercise in a specific way, for a specific amount of time or lift a specific amount of weight to get a good workout. Move your body in a way that you enjoy.
Walking, yoga, Pilates, dancing, hiking, biking – these are all great ideas of workouts that count as exercise! It doesn’t matter what it is, what matters is that you’re consistent because that’s where the biggest benefits come from. If you’re into Pilates, Barre, Yoga or some Meditation, I recommend Pilates on Demand – it has hundreds of videos including beginner to advanced, prenatal, postnatal and all class lengths to fit any schedule.
2. Make sure it’s convenient
If the online class you want to do is too long that you don’t even want to start, or the gym you set up at home is in your dingy basement where you don’t want to go, how likely is it that you’ll do it regularly?
Be honest with yourself. You have to set yourself up for success to stay motivated. By making sure your workouts are convenient and not adding extra unnecessary stress to your day, you are more likely to follow through.
Instead of hour long classes, try a 20 or 30 minute online class. Instead of working out in your creepy basement, work out upstairs so you can watch tv or talk to your family. Instead of parking your bike behind a ton of shit in your garage, leave it at the front door. All of these little tips can help make it easier for you to be consistent.
And the more regularly you do something, the more confidence and motivation you will build.
3. Find someone to be accountable to
Don’t overlook this one. Accountability is key for success in every area. When we feel we are making someone else besides ourselves proud, we are much more likely to follow through.
Be honest and open with this person and tell them how you like to be encouraged. Or if you’re looking for a supportive community and a place to discuss your progress, celebrate your wins or vent about your frustrations, check out the Pilates on Demand Facebook Community or Member Forum.
The more people you have “around” to support and encourage you, the higher chances you have at succeeding.
4. Write down your WHY
It can be hard to remember why we started and how great exercise makes us feel when we are curled up on the couch watching Netflix and drinking wine. Having something written down on paper to refer to when you are lacking motivation is a great tool for success.
Use a journal or post sticky notes in places you look often to keep your intentions at the front of your mind.
The More Than Movement Challenges available in standard and prenatal formats at Pilates on Demand include a journal component and weekly reflection to add more meaning to your exercise routine.
5. Keep track of your progress
We are great at setting goals but we suck at keeping track of our progress. When was the last time you actually measured the results of a goal you set for yourself? Probably never right?
Keep track of your progress using excel or even just checking it off on your calendar. Seeing the progress in your consistency alone is enough to keep you motivated. Using a platform that allows you to set goals, automatically tracks your progress and rewards your achievements like Pilates on Demand can make all the difference.
And don’t forget to celebrate your wins!! When you’re keeping track it’s easy to see all that you’ve accomplished and how far you’ve come. It can be hard to do that when you have no idea where you’re at and you end up focusing on where you’re lacking instead.
So there you have it. My 5 tips to help you get or stay motivated to workout from home or anywhere really! If you’re looking for a workout that’s convenient that you can do from home, make sure to check out Pilates on Demand. 🙂
Until next time,
xoxo
