When I think about what my workout routine used to be, I’m floored! In my single days, I’d workout for two hours a day. My workouts and my eating plan were in sync. Getting out of bed at 6am to go to the gym was the hard part. Once my feet hit the floor though, I was motivated to get it in! In those days, I was definitely in the best shape of my life. Fast forward to today and things are a little different.
These days, I have to find little things to motivate me. Sure, the goal of seeing the physical changes in my body should be enough. The thing is, after having kids, I love sleep more than I used to. I’m also far more tired than I used to be. My bed feels too good in the morning for me to want to roll out of it. Some may call it lazy. I call it honest.
What’s my fitness motivation?
Once I push through to getting into a routine, I’m good. I’m one of the weird ones that actually likes working out. I look forward to it. I like to keep pushing myself to try new things and be better than I was yesterday. Getting over the initial hump and being motivated to just start, that’s where a lot of us get stuck. Am I right? There are three things that have made it easier for me to find my fitness motivation and keep it! Let’s start with time.
We’ve all said at one time or another that we just don’t have time to workout. Life gets hectic and it can be really hard to find time for fitness. Everything else seems like a priority. The thing is, we know our fitness should be a priority. It’s literally taking care of the only place you have to live. Without taking care of our health, over time, everything else becomes a struggle.
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The Time
What I’ve found works best for myself and others is getting it out of the way in the morning. You have the rest of your day to do everything else. The other perk is that you feel better and you’ll probably more motivated during the day to get things done and have the energy to do it. I’m more likely to slay the rest of my day when I workout first. I’m too tired to do it at night and it’s easier to just not do it. Mornings are magic!
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The Clothes
Another thing that’s been working for me lately are my workout clothes. The more I like them, the more I want to wear them! Recently, I had a chance to try some leggings from Koral. They’re a Los Angeles based lifestyle company. Y’all, I was seriously on their site just putting outfits together in my head! Just like what you wear anywhere makes in difference in your attitude, the same is true about workout clothes. Seriously. These leggings made me excited to work out! I just wanted an excuse to wear them! Ha!
What caught my eyes on these is the mix of fabrics. I have had a crush on sheer fabric leggings for a while now. So the sheer panels on these are winning! I like that these have a few different textures going on with the white open mesh. The other “yes” factor with these is the wide waistband. Listen, I’ve had two children. My tummy isn’t what it used to be. I really love that these don’t roll down while I’m working out. The big test: I wasn’t sure how these would do in my spin class because I usually wear breathable cotton leggings. These leggings passed the test! They worked great. The sweat dried quickly to keep me cool even though I was a sweaty mess. Boom!
Related: Join the fitness challenge to keep motivated
- The Workout
I mentioned my spin class above. That’s actually my next suggestion to stay motivated. Find a workout or workouts you love! I was late to the spinning craze but I’m loving it now. It’s one of my favorite workouts.
I’ve been a lover of Pilates forever but spinning is probably number one with me now. Knowing I’m going to get up in the morning and wear some stylish gear and do my favorite workout is super motivating! If one type of workout isn’t your jam – try a few! I mix it up with HIIT classes, and occasional yoga, kettle bell routines and Pilates. Find your thing or things and get excited about it.
- Bonus
The other thing that always helps is having a buddy! My friend and I used to text each other in the morning to just say “I’m up and about to work out”. It was our way of keeping each other accountable to our commitment to exercise. I didn’t want her to text me and not get a reply because I was still asleep. My fitness motivation was to not leave my friend hanging. Get somebody to text you or meet you at class. Whatever you need to do – get to it and take care of you!
Do you think any of these ideas would work for you? What gets and keeps you motivated to work out?
Disclaimer: I was provided with the leggings to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
18 Comments on Fitness Motivation Secrets that Actually Work
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Great tips!
awesome tips – i gotta have the right clothes for working out too!
I like these tips! Workout buddies are the best and I have to have comfortable clothes when working out.
These are some great tips and advice. I love new work out clothes.
I’ve been exercising regularly recently and I love the way my body feels. I am also able to focus and think better which is an added bonus.
It really does change everything. We feel better, we’re more clear and energized. So good!
I have been working out trying to lose this backfat. I don’t necessarily want to lose any more weight but I can’t get rid of this bra fat. I have been doing back exercises, weights and cardio if all else fails I am getting more lipo but those workout pants are so cute.. I need some more as well
There’s always a stubborn area that won’t budge, right? lol
I’ve got a newborn and a middle schooler…my motivation is gone! These tips should help. Thanks girl!
You’re so welcome! Good luck!
I need to get up and get my fitness life together. I love those tights. Let me see if they come in plus size that I can wear.
I am starting a workout plan today. I need to get my fitness life in order. I’ve never tried a morning workout, but I’m open to it. I will set the alarm to wake up early tomorrow morning and see if it works best.
The morning workouts have been magic for me. It totally sets the tone for the rest of my day.
When I was single in my 30’s I was in the gym at least 3 days a week. I’d have a trainer session on Saturday mornings and it was fabulous.
Everything is different as a married mom whose husband works evenings. I’m trying to get back into the groove of finding a gym we can all enjoy AND making it fit our budget.
Things totally change and we have to re-work how we do things. I do all my workouts at home. I started with a dvd and a yoga mat. It’s what I had time for and was the least costly. lol
I used to be so good about my workouts, but an injury this past year and depression got me off track, but I’m getting back in the swing of things. Slowly… LOL
Baby steps. We all just have to start from where we are.
Great advice, thank you.