Let’s face it. There are plenty of days when you just don’t know how to get motivated to work out.
Whether that’s from stress piling up, a busy to-do list hanging over your head, or you’re just feeling a bit burned out, we’ve all been there!
Accepting this as a completely normal thing is the first step.
But that doesn’t mean you have to let these unmotivated moments derail your hard work.
Give these five tips a shot anytime you need a boost of workout inspiration and some help getting your butt in gear.
5 Tips for When You’re Not Motivated to Work Out
If you’re wondering how to get motivated to workout when it’s the last thing you want to do, switching it up with these five tips may be all the fitness motivation you need:
1. Go for a Walk
When most people think about working out or exercising, they usually think of going for a run or hitting the gym to lift some weights.
While these are great exercises, you may not always be in the mood for such an intense workout, and that’s okay!
These are the perfect times to consider going for a walk, which is just as fantastic for your mental and physical health.
Walking is a low-impact activity that helps gently move your muscles. This light cardio can elevate your heart rate to burn fat and help your body use up excess insulin, two awesome perks for feeling good and improving your health.
Plus, when you go for a walk outside, the fresh air and calming sights and sounds of nature can improve your mental state. You’ll probably feel a boost of positivity, creativity, and energy.
So don’t discount the power of walking. You can do it almost anytime, any day, and anywhere when you don’t feel like exercising.
2. Try a New Workout
If you’re stuck in a rut of doing the same exercise routines over and over again, you’ll definitely get bored and not feel motivated to work out.
While these strict activities may be ideal when you just need to show up and sweat, your brain and muscles will be craving a changeup after some time.
Nothing will give you more fitness inspiration than trying a new workout.
You can check out YouTube for new routines and free classes or follow some new fitness Instagram influencers to get some ideas.
Weave just one of these fun activities into your routine each week, and you’ll keep boredom at bay:
- Swimming
- Dance class
- Day hiking
- Kickboxing
- Outdoor yoga
- HIIT
You may find a new type of exercise that gets you out of your rut and excited to share with a friend.
3. Enlist the Help of a Friend
Instead of trying to find your fitness motivation solo, why not partner up with a friend and have more fun?
Getting a workout buddy involved is ideal for two reasons: it gives you a chance to hang out and it makes you more likely to get your workout in.
And if you want to tackle a new type of exercise, it will be a lot easier to conquer with a workout buddy by your side.
So consider finding a workout buddy for those times when exercising is the last thing you want to do. If this tends to happen toward the end of the week, schedule your partner workouts for these days.
4. Aim for Just 10 Minutes
When you’re feeling super low on workout inspiration, telling yourself you’ll work out for just 10 minutes is one of the best fitness hacks.
A quick, 10-minute workout is still better than nothing.
If you’re still not feeling it after those 10 minutes, you can call it a day and be proud of yourself for getting something in.
But once you get going, you’ll likely want to remain in motion even after that short time is up.
So set your timer, pick an easy no equipment home workout, and see how it goes from there.
5. Take a Break
If you’re feeling extra burned out, you may actually just need a break and some recovery time, and that’s okay.
Recovery is just as important for your muscles and mental health, so don’t feel like you have to work out all the time or every day.
Try giving yourself one or two days off from your workouts and see how you feel.
You can do some light stretches to increase your flexibility and massage your sore muscles, or simply do nothing at all.
Promise to get back at your workouts, and you may just find the break was exactly what you needed.
Final Thoughts on What To Do When You’re Not Motivated to Work Out
You won’t always want to work out. Even experienced athletes find themselves in this boat. But as long as you exercise more often than not, your brain and body will thank you.
If you’re struggling to find motivation, refer back to this article and try to implement one of the five tips we shared. Any of them will give you a better chance of getting back in the groove.
So save this guide for later, and don’t stress about feeling unmotivated once in a while. It happens to the best of us, and it won’t last forever. Just keep pushing forward!
Author: Devan Ciccarelli
Email: devan@behappynothangry.com
Instagram/Facebook Group: @behappynothangry/Be Happy Not Hangry
Website: www.behappynothangry.com
