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Ten Ways to Motivate Yourself to Exercise

You know you need to exercise. You know it’s good for you, that you’ll feel better, even look better, if you do. It’s still tough to get up off the couch and just do it, isn’t it? Here are ten tips for motivating yourself to get moving.

1. Buy something to wear that you really like, but buy it a little too small. Choose something that fits but is a bit too snug for comfort and try it on every week or two until it fits well. Having something you want to wear soon can be a great motivator. Beware… If you choose something too small, you’ll get discouraged and give up.
2. Commit to some sort of challenge. Maybe you’ll do a 5k run or walk. Another option is to sign up to do a charity event. Whatever you choose, make the commitment and let other people know about it. Don’t sign up for anything too difficult for your fitness level.
3. Try a different exercise if you’re bored with what you’re doing.
4. When you feel particularly unwilling to exercise, stand in front of a full-length mirror naked. Yes, it sounds weird, but I bet you’ll be more eager to work out!
5. Give yourself a reward each time you exercise. You might allow yourself a half hour to watch a favorite show. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s not a food reward.
6. Select a CD or an audio book that you only listen to while exercising. If the book is good, you’ll look forward to your workouts if only to find out what happens next.
7. List all the benefits of exercising and post it somewhere obvious, like the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror. Use it to remind yourself why you’re doing this.
8. Get a buddy to exercise with you. Help each other stay committed. You’ll be less likely to ditch your exercise session if someone else is counting on you.
9. Join a team. For some people, the added competition makes them less likely to skip their exercise sessions. It can also make it more fun!
10. Multi-task. Use your exercise time to walk to the store, get to know the neighborhood, walk the dog, etc.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated to work out?