These days my workouts serve a few different purposes. I work out to have fun, stay in shape, and maintain good mental health. But even though I know working out is good for me, there are still days when I struggle with motivation. Luckily, I have some tricks up my sleeve that help me get my booty to the gym regularly!
Keep your gym bag packed
I have two backpacks: one for the gym and one for work. I keep both of them stocked with everything I need to have a productive work day or workout. That way, I can just grab one of them and go!
I’ve written before about what I keep in my gym bag, but it’s changed a little since then because I don’t compete in bodybuilding competitions anymore. Although I no longer compete, I still train like a bodybuilder! Here’s what I keep in my bag:
- Lifting belt to support my core while lifting
- Wireless headphones
- Weightlifting shoes with a sturdy elevated heel, so I can be prepared when my workout app tells me it’s leg day (more on that app later)
- Lifting straps and wrist wraps
- Combination lock
Have easy pre-gym snacks available
My available workout time often falls between meals, so I have to eat a little pre-workout snack for a boost of energy. I can’t work out with an empty stomach!
Here are some easy pre-workout snack ideas:
- Apple or banana + and peanut butter or a handful of nuts
- Oatmeal with berries, nut butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon—takes a little prep time but it’s my favorite pre-workout snack
- Avocado toast
Buy workout clothes you enjoy wearing
Couldn’t tell you why, but going to the gym is so much more fun when you have something nice to wear!
I recently picked up two pairs of Adidas joggers—I got one pair in black with white stripes (pictured above) and another pair in gray with neon green stripes. Prior to purchasing these, I’d always wear leggings to the gym. These joggers are perfect for when I don’t want to wear something form-fitting, but still want to look cool.
Try a workout app that does the planning for you
Now that I’m working out for fun and for health and don’t have a specific goal to work toward, I’ve noticed myself slacking a bit with my workouts. I was repeating the same exercises week after week and not challenging myself as much as I could have been, so I decided to suck it up and download a workout app to kick things back into gear.
I’ve been using an app called Fitbod and I LOVE IT. All you have to do to get started is input your height and weight, goals, ideal workout style (I chose bodybuilding), and whether you have access to a full gym or prefer bodyweight exercises.
From there, the app puts together workouts for you complete with sets, reps, and once it learns more about you, even recommended weights! I’ve been having consistently excellent workouts ever since I subscribed.
Join a fitness class for accountability
When I work out by myself, I’m really good at slacking. I recently decided to start taking a weekly crossfit-style class and it keeps me motivated for a few reasons:
- There are other people there that notice when I don’t come
- It’s at the same place and time every week so I can make sure to be prepared for it
- The instructor tells me exactly what to do so I can’t cheat myself
- It takes me out of my workout comfort zone
So if you’re the kind of person who needs a bit of external motivation to stick to your goals, joining a workout class might be just what you need.
Keep your favorite supplements stocked
If you find that certain supplements help you with your workouts (or with the after-effects of your workouts), be sure to stay stocked up on them. For example, maybe you need fish oil for your joints or a pre-workout with caffeine to help you get ready for your after-work gym sessions.
My essential workout supplements are protein powder, creatine, and especially BCAAs. I have a love/hate relationship with soreness. I love it because it lets me know I’ve made an effort…but it’s also really annoying to struggle going up or down the stairs because of sore quads or calves. I’m more motivated to get to the gym when my cabinet is stocked with BCAAs because I know they’ll reduce my post-workout soreness a bit.
Figuring out how to stick to a workout routine is different for everyone. What else have you tried?
