Usually times when I don’t feel like working out are when I really need it the most.

I never feel like exercising when I’m in a grumpy mood even though I know that it will make me less grumpy if I just start. Other times I’m just lazy or would rather do something else (like watch my 5th episode of Murdoch Mysteries on Netflix 🙂 #BingeWatchChampion)

For when working out is the last thing I want to do, I’ve learned some tricks that help me get going.

How to Motivate Yourself to Workout (when you really don’t feel like it)

Start the music

I love my workout music. It gets me energized!

The other day, I really didn’t feel like it but I put my headphones on and turned on my workout playlist. All of the sudden, I was ready to go. It got me excited!

Love this one:

I try not to listen to my workout music unless I’m working out. I want to keep that music special and exciting to me so that I have an extra thing to look forward to with my workouts.

Sit on the floor and stretch for a few minutes

Usually when I’m dreading a workout, I’m flopped on the couch and am super comfy. Getting up to sweat and exert myself is just not appealing, so I take it easy on myself.

I just roll off the couch, sit on the floor, and stretch for a few minutes. The getting off the couch is the most important part. Once I’m off the couch and stretching, I’m much more likely to get up and actually exercise.

Gosh, I feel like you’re amazed at my laziness now that I’m typing this 🙂 It works though!

Tell yourself you only have to do it for 5 minutes

This is a fabulous productivity hack that works in all kinds of situations. Basically, you give yourself an “out”.

I tell myself that I just need to exercise for 5 minutes and then I can be done if I want.

Almost every time, I keep going after that first 5 minutes. Just knowing that it doesn’t have to be much and I can be done in so short of a time if I want helps me to get going.

Once I’m already exercising, it’s not a big deal to keep going. Starting is the hardest part.

Meet up with a friend

Some people do better with the extra accountability of making plans with a friend.

Even if you just meet up to go for a walk, it makes it fun and you’re less likely to skip out just because you don’t feel like it.

Try something new 

It can be fun to try something new.

If you’re not feeling it, try a different class, go to a different machine at the gym, or put on a new workout DVD.

Netflix and Amazon Prime both have workout “DVDs”, so you can find something new for free if you already pay for those services. Plus, I’ve heard that YouTube has endless options.

If you’re working out at home, you might want to take a look at my $50 mini home gym (and the exercise bike that I have used for years)!

Make it a part of someone else’s routine

Let’s see if I can explain this one.

We are all creatures of habit. So is my dog. 🙂 Mozzie is in the habit of walking twice per day. If he doesn’t get his two walks, he drives me crazy. It’s in my best interest to take him for his walks so that he doesn’t get fussy. I’ve made exercise a part of his routine and he doesn’t let me avoid it.

If you have kids that get used to playing with you at the playground every night or running around the block or going for walks at the same time each day, it’s hard to not do it.

Make exercise a part of someone else’s routine and it will be much harder for you to skip it, even if you don’t feel like it.

Quotes

I love a good motivational quote!

Fitness quotes make me want to prove that I can be a strong, powerful, determined woman. Surround yourself with good quotes that will make you want to workout.

Here’s some of my favorites:

Exercising is a blessing, not a chore. I exercise because I’m grateful that I physically can!

I already know what giving up feels like. I want to see what happens if I don’t. ~ Neila Ray

Do it now. Sometimes ‘later’ becomes ‘never’.

Instead of ‘I don’t have time’ try saying ‘It’s not a priority’ and see how it feels.

It’s a slow process but quitting won’t speed it up.

I’ve learned these tips over the last year as I’ve tried to exercise multiple times per week. There are definitely days that I have no motivation at all and I have to trick myself into working out.

You Might Like These Ones:

8 Tips for Living a More Active Lifestyle

My Simple 20-Minute Workout Routine

How to Enjoy Exercise – Even If You’re Not Sporty

14 Simple Ways to Be Healthier

⇒ I’d love for you to leave a comment on how you motivate yourself to exercise when you don’t feel like it!