Tips to Staying Motivated with Your Workout Routine

Because We All Need a Little Push Now & Then
Filed Under > Health & Wellness

I’m one of those people that really does enjoy working out.  I feel great after doing it, and when I’m in the swing of it, I can keep up a consistent routine.  But when I fall out of that routine?  That’s a different story.  Whether that’s traveling to Atlanta for work, going out of town with friends, catching a cold or nursing an injury…these hurdles completely derail me and have me feeling like I’m all the way back at square one.  I know the importance of sweating every day, but I’m guilty of making excuses when stress—and basically just life in general—get in the way. 

Luckily, I have a very active set of friends, all just as obsessed with ClassPass like I am.  We always share our schedules of classes around town that we plan to attend that week, helping that workout motivation whenever it wanes, as well as offering time to catch up as we’re racing through our busy days.  But lately I’ve found it goes even a bit further than sharing schedules, and I’ve included a few of these tricks that have proven to help me recently in the slideshow above. Click on through, but please tell me any other tips you have, too!  Cheers, Kat

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Dress the Part

Dress the Part

There's no denying that new workout gear can get you a little more excited to head to the gym or studio. Find pieces that make you feel good and get you excited about moving.

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BY KATHRYN MCCRARY FOR WAITING ON MARTHA
Lay Out Your Clothes Ahead of Time

Lay Out Your Clothes Ahead of Time

Every time I schedule a morning workout class, I make sure to lay my clothes out the night before. This way, I can't make as many excuses about getting out of bed so early. It takes the guessing out of it when you're still feeling groggy!

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VIA LULULEMON
Prep the Playlist

Prep the Playlist

I don't know many people that can workout without music. Sometimes I'm lazy and rely on a Spotify playlist, but whenever I prep a playlist beforehand, I know I'm in for a treat because all of the tunes are tailored to my current mood. #GameChanger

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VIA CRYSTALIN MARIE, BY CHRISTINE SARGOLOGOS
Get Social With It

Get Social With It

Approaching fitness as a chance to get social helps me a ton. We schedule classes together as friends, using it as a chance to catch up even on a busy day. Having a designated workout buddy for the gym and beyond is great too; you can push each other when that morning alarm sounds!

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VIA LULULEMON
Practice Positive Self Talk

Practice Positive Self Talk

I struggle with negative self talk when it comes to my fitness routine sometimes. I beat myself up for skipping a class, for pressing snooze, for avoiding the bootcamp I know I should probably try.

I'm working on practicing positivity instead; by owning my decisions if I do choose to skip a class, by letting myself sleep if I'm exhausted, and by understanding that my routine is in my control and I am strong enough to push harder than I give myself credit for.

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BY KATHRYN MCCRARY FOR WAITING ON MARTHA
Track Your Progress

Track Your Progress

Tracking progress can remind you how far you've come, and can be uplifting if you ever find yourself struggling to get back at it. I enjoy how much stronger I feel, along with of course the physical signs in the mirror. Consider keeping a traditional log or use easy apps that show your consistent commitment to staying in shape. Progress can mean a new yoga pose you finally nailed, seeing new definition on your arms, a faster pace on your neighborhood run, etc. (or all of the above!).

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VIA PINTEREST VIA LUCY ACTIVEWEAR
Branch Out With Your Workouts

Branch Out With Your Workouts

I've found that I definitely go in phases with workouts that resonate with me. Luckily, I can sample countless studios around town to keep a variety with my routine with ClassPass.

By branching out with workouts, you can find alternative ways to get those endorphins, even if you're not a "runner" or would never find yourself in a spin class.

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VIA THE EVERYGIRL, BY KINA WICKS
Have a "Lazy" Back-Up Plan

Have a "Lazy" Back-Up Plan

On the days you just know it's not happening, have a "lazy" plan in mind. This could mean a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, an easy dumbbell routine while watching the news, or a few rounds of stairs in your apartment complex. By doing a "lazy" workout, you're still better off than doing nothing.

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VIA CRYSTALIN MARIE, BY CHRISTINE SARGOLOGOS
Stay Hydrated

Stay Hydrated

We all know to drink H2o during a workout, but what about throughout the day, too? I'm always amazed by how staying hydrated affects my motivation to even get to the gym, and how I can feel it during the workout if I haven't had enough water that day. Think pale yellow urine (sorry, had to go there!).

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VIA LULULEMON
Consider Rewards

Consider Rewards

I'm including this one because it works, friends! Consider setting goals and giving yourself rewards like new clothing, fresh flowers (always), or maybe even a vacation after reaching a significant milestone. Personally, I wouldn't want to include food as rewards since it's counterproductive here, but do what works for you.

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VIA LOVELY LIFE
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Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

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