I think most people will agree with me when I say that it's not easy getting yourself to do things that you know are healthy for you but you just don't want to do. When we are kids it is usually stuff like eating our vegetables or brushing our teeth. But as adults we get the joy of paying bills or going to the gym.
Here are a few ways you can convince yourself to get into the habit of going to the gym.
1. Give yourself an ultimatum: go to the gym or clean your house.
You'll either have a very clean house or be jacked by the time summer rolls around.
2. Set an alarm.
It's hard to ignore responsibilities when they loudly scream in your face, "GET UP!"
3. Have a pair of running shoes and workout clothes in your car.
Take them out and wash them periodically of course, but it helps to keep them in your vehicle. One less excuse you can make to not to go.
4. Enroll in a gym that is on your way home from work/school.
This along with having your gym stuff already in your car will really make you feel the guilt of not going when it's on your way home anyways.
5. Give yourself a reward for going.
This is just to get in the habit of going and making it fun for yourself. Obviously it will be counterproductive if every time you go to the gym you eat pizza immediately afterwards. Eventually going to the gym will be second nature and you wont need the reward to get yourself to go.
6. Get some new music to listen to.
New music will give you inspiration to go to the gym so you can listen to all your new songs. Let's face it, "Eye of the Tiger" gets pretty annoying to listen to after the first few gym sessions.
7. Bring a friend.
Nothing can get you motivated like trapping a friend into your new hobby with you.
8. It's less expensive than a whole new wardrobe.
I hate spending money. The only motivation I need to go to the gym is to maintain the size I wear now because jeans are way more expensive than a membership at the YMCA.
9. Have a motivation board or goal in mind.
Pinterest is great for this, but this can be a double-edged sword. Don't have unrealistic goals set for yourself or it could demotivate you to try at all. Have small goals at first and eventually you'll get to your big goal.
10. Just do it!
Push yourself. We all didn't want to eat that piece of broccoli as kids but we did it anyway. Just start going and it will become a habit that you won't want to quit.
