After a long day of classes, meetings, homework and whatever else college students have to do, the last thing many people want to do is drag their butt to the gym. Trust me, everyone experiences this struggle and sometimes I have nothing left in the tank by the time the end of my day rolls around. Rest days are necessary and critical to staying healthy, but the problem is when every day turns into a rest day. Here are 8 ways to find the motivation to get to the gym.

1. Build your workout into your schedule

If you think of your workout as a suggestion, then it will be that much easier to shrug it off if you aren't feeling particularly motivated. However, if you make your workout a priority in your day, like classes or meetings, then you will stop yourself from brushing it under the rug.

2. Turn your favorite food into a reward

If you know that your favorite food will be waiting for you when you finish your workout, it will automatically motivate you to make the trek to the gym. So whether it be a big cup of coffee or a chocolate chip cookie, reward yourself for getting a good workout in.

3. Tell a bunch of people that you're going

It is easy to skip the gym if you are the only one holding yourself accountable, but if you tell your roommates or friends that you are going to the gym today, you will feel much more motivated to actually follow through with your plans.

4. Invest in cute workout clothes

The first step to being fit and active is looking the part, so investing in good quality, fabulous workout clothes will definitely help motivate you to show them off while also getting your squats in (also, how could you ever turn down the opportunity for a shopping spree).

5. Plan your workout before you go

It is easy to be daunted by the huge gym with too many complicated machines, and frankly, this could be reason enough to stay home. However, if you plan out exactly what you are going to do while you're there, then it will automatically make it seem much less intimidating.

6. Get friends to work out with you

As much as you may want to stay in your bed and watch Netflix all day, it is much harder to skip the gym if you have a friend texting you about going. It is also perfect because if you aren't motivated one day, maybe she is, and if she isn't motivated, then you can be.

7. Pack snacks in your backpack

Nobody ever wants to go to the gym on an empty stomach, but if you stock your backpack full of snacks, then that will help you be prepared for your work-out, no matter what time of day you decide to go.

8. Find a workout that you actually enjoy

You are never going to motivate yourself to go work out if you dread it every step of the way. If you despise running on the treadmill, then just don't do it. The best way to find out what you like is just to try everything and experiment with all different types of workouts. Also, if you keep switching it up, then it is that much harder to get bored.