Exercise Motivation

My last lifestyle post was about 5 Easy Ways to Make That A.M. Workout Happen (find it here ) and today I'm sharing something similar that many of my clients struggle with. Finding a way to make those fitness goals a daily routine is difficult and they often express their issues it. I want to start out by saying, even as someone who workouts as part of their job, at times I lack that motivation and with that being said- it's absolutely okay and NORMAL to not feel like working out. That might sound weird coming from a personal trainer, but workouts are work. Our bodies and/or minds have times when movement just isn't what they want or NEED. The most important thing is to listen to your body. You body knows so much more than your mind. If it says no, you should probably listen. Motivation is a tricky beast, but taking in information from all different sources will help you best determine your exercise habits. 

Finding what type of movement, time for your workout, duration of the movement, and the single most important factor in a sustainable workout plan- the movement that brings YOU JOY! I don't do workouts because I have to or ones that make me look at my watch to see how much time has passed. I use exercise as an opportunity for me to spend time with myself and invest in my mind and body. I get to know my strengths, my weaknesses, and how to work through troubles or things on my mind. It's my me time, a way I get to offer self care to my body. My range of activities range from weightlifting, to running, to cardio machines at times, HIIT, walking, to stretching, and even yoga. Some weeks I run more, some I don't at all. Rest days are just as important as those that you workout. Allowing your body rest gives it the opportunity to rebuild and prepare for more bouts of more intense activity, if that's your goal. 

Mustering up motivation to get a workout in can be tough, especially with our busy schedules. So what is the main driving factor for me? It's simple for me because I make it a priority just like all of the important things in my life. Now this doesn't mean that I get my ideal and best workout every single time. It means, I make the time in the morning to ensure that nothing comes up to get in the way. Just like all of my priorities, I schedule them. My husband isn't a daily exerciser so it's a great 'me time' activity that gets me moving, starts my day on an awesome note, and is accomplished before the rest of the world is awake. I etch it into my day just as others may plan to call their friend, run errands, or take a shower. I also allow myself some fluidity in my schedule as far as workouts go. I don't do the same thing every week on the same day. My schedule changes often due to client's schedules, with school, and life. I make a rough plan as to what days I'm going to rest and which I'm going to get certain workouts in, then I work around them if something interferes. There was a time in my life in which I would not miss a day and would go to extremes to ensure I stuck to my rigid workouts that were 2 + hours/day and it left me obsessed with exercise and my appearance. My body's appearance is no longer a driving factor in my workouts. 

I have worked out on a regular basis since I was in high school, so for me this is just another part of my day. It's part of my normal activities of daily life and just something I do. Now that isn't saying that's right for you- maybe 2-3 days is what works for you, maybe 1 day a week is what you find doable. Also, understand that there are different times in our life where workouts/movement just simply take a back seat and that is normal. Just like anything in life there is ebb and flow & normalizing that needs to happen. Society often makes us buy into an all or nothing view when that simply isn't beneficial or realistic. When life gets swamped, overwhelming, or simply complex- workouts aren't and shouldn't be on the front burner. 

As a take away from this post, I wanted to impress upon you all that movement should be beneficial to your entire being and should add to your life. Don't apply added and unnecessary pressure or stress to accomplish it. Motivation can be mustered up, but it should come from within you from a place of desire not necessity. Have a great week, thanks for reading all.