How do you motivate yourself to exercise?

I am loving my new exercise regime but sometimes I need a little motivation to go to the gym 5 times a week.

It is an 18-mile round trip to the gym, and the only time I can go is when Gary doesn’t have clients, as we work out together.  Unfortunately, they want to see him when it would be a convenient time for me.  By the time I have driven to the gym, worked out, gone home and showered, it can take a big chunk out of the middle of my day, when I feel I could be doing something more productive for my business.  So I started thinking about different ways we can motivate ourselves to exercise or go to the gym, and have come up with the following tips:

1 Pack a gym kit and keep it in the car.  You leave work and the thought of going home to change then go out again to the gym can be all too much so by keeping a kit in your car, you can go on the way home…there’s no excuse then to go home (and stay there!) after work…you can work out then relax at home and feel smug!

2 Get yourself a gym or workout buddy -  One thing that works for me is to have someone to keep you company when you work out. Not only does this make working out more fun, you are more likely to go as you won’t want to let them down.

3 Create a reward list – Having a reward list can help with motivation. It could be a physical thing, or it could be a day out, spa treatment, or just a soak in the bath.  You might reward yourself for exercising ‘x’ number of days in the week or losing ‘x’ number of pounds...it’s your choice but make sure that the rewards are something that mean something good to you.

4 Join a FB group – Joining a Facebook Group that supports what you do can be both motivating and inspiring. I belong to a running one and not only is it quite fun, they are also really encouraging and motivating...and they swear a lot which I like!.

5 Make yourself accountable – tell your work colleagues or friends that you are working out that evening/next morning before work…then you can be smug when they ask you about it!  Youi wouldn't want to admit that you didn't make it would you!

6 Think of all the positive benefits – there are many benefits that exercising has on you both mentally and physically. It not only helps you be fitter and healthier physically, but it can also impact positively on your mental health and wellbeing; increase confidence levels and self-esteem; and help to improve sleep.
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7 Be mindful when exercising – Stop focusing on the amount of reps left or kms to run…be in the moment…focus on your breathing and where the breath is going; which muscles you are using and how your muscles are moving; what you are hearing and feeling….

8 Choose an exercise you enjoy…if you don’t enjoy running, don’t do it!  Choose something fun and enjoyable!  Then you won’t have to drag yourself there, you will look forward to going
 
These are just a few of my ideas but what do you do to motivate yourself to exercise?