If you want to lead a healthy and happy life, exercise is a necessary part of your daily routine. Exercise will bring numerous benefits, most notably an expanded lifespan, better energy levels, stronger physical health, improved mental health, and a reduced risk of heart disease or diabetes. Exercise can also lead to weight loss, better skin health, and a higher self-image, which helps to build self-esteem.

While there are plenty of reasons to exercise, not all of us have the energy or the motivation to do so. Sometimes poor mental health can zap a person’s motivation to perform everyday tasks like exercise. Finding motivation can be hard, especially if it is for something that you don’t want to do. It’s even harder if you lead a busy lifestyle and don’t have much time to fit a robust fitness routine into your schedule. However, a workout routine doesn’t need to take up most of your day; a good 20 to 60 minutes should do the trick. Really, all it takes to perform a decent workout is to break down those mental barriers of yours.

How to Boost Workout Motivation

exercise recovery

1. Do Some Research into Exercise

To find workout motivation, you should start by learning about what you are getting into. There are thousands of fitness routines out there that will shape your body in a specific way. The best way to workout is to find an activity that you genuinely enjoy, but at the same time, you must find a workout that will deliver the results you want to achieve. The more you know about what kind of workout you want to do, the easier it will be to take on.


2. Prepare By Finding the Right Things

Once you’ve figured out what kind of workout you will be performing, the next step is preparation. Purchase any clothing or supplies needed for the workout. For example, buy a jump rope and weights if you plan on incorporating jump rope and weightlifting into the routine. Preparation will help to boost workout motivation.

3. Plan Out the Exercises

Visualization can also help in preparation. Plan out a variety of exercises to get your mind interested. Try to aim the workout so that it brings out your endorphins. These feel-good hormones will sustain your workout motivation throughout the session. As mentioned before, incorporate exercises that you genuinely enjoy. For example, if you like dancing, try to find a fun dance workout.

4. Make Sure You Are Eating Right

It’s difficult to keep up workout motivation if you aren’t sustaining your body with fuel. Don’t make the mistake of skipping meals before a workout. Also, don’t make the mistake of loading up on high-sugar carbs before a workout, or you’ll be left feeling too fatigued. Be sure to eat plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables before a workout.

5. Make Sure You Are Hydrated

Food isn’t the only fuel needed before a workout. Water will be needed to keep you going, especially when your body starts to sweat and run out of its own hydration. Health experts recommend that you drink before, during, and after a workout session.

workout motivation

6. Use Workout Motivation Quotes

Some good workout motivation quotes could make the difference between giving up or powering through. Here are some popular motivational quotes to go by:

  • “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan
  • “A little progress each day adds up to big results.” – Satya Nani
  • “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth
  • “Either you run the day or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn

7. Make Yourself Accountable

Find ways to really commit yourself to the workout cause. Maybe join a gym, a class, or a workout group. Find someone who has the same fitness goals and partner up with that person. Start a competition with friends. Track the results of your workout to see the progress you have made. All of these activities ensure some form of accountability.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Inner Workout Motivation

Bottom line: figure out what motivates you the most. Why are you working out in the first place? Keep your goal in mind and never deviate from that goal.