Struggling with motivation to train?
Not to worry… it happens to me too!
I don’t know whether it’s because of how grey and cold it is outside, or the fact that we’re in our third lockdown with no end currently in sight & gyms are still shut, but this time round it’s definitely seeming a lot tougher to stay motivated!
…And I know I’m not alone in this as I think this is the phrase I’ve heard the most from others in the last few weeks too…
BUT…
Despite all that I’ve still been putting the work in and getting my training sessions done consistently every week!
Do you know how?
BECAUSE I DON’T RELY ON MOTIVATION!
Now, when I say “motivation” in this context, I’m talking about that unpredictable emotion that comes & goes, that get up & go, that “let’s do this” feeling when workouts feel great - but how can this possibly be relied on to create the consistency you need to get results from those training sessions you have planned when it’s not there?
Simple answer. You can’t!
So what keeps me going?
Having a good reason behind WHY I’m training!
Before you set yourself a plan to start training, have a long hard think about why you really want to do it…
If it's because everyone else is and you think you should be then likelihood is that it’s not going to last long!
But if you have a meaningful reason for those early starts and tough training sessions then it makes them all worth it - remember, nothing worth doing ever comes easy - You have to get comfortable with getting uncomfortable!!
I train for a number of reasons and this works for me:
I love a challenge and want to see what my body is capable of because it’s amazing what you can do if you put your mind to it.
It helps with my mental headspace and gives me confidence - how many times have you felt so much better at the end of a workout than you did when you started?
I want to ensure I stay fit and healthy for as long as possible!
I want to learn as much as I possibly can from my own training to help my clients and become an awesome coach - I don’t like to give anything to my clients that I haven’t tried myself!
…And let’s be honest… who doesn’t want to look good naked! 🤷🏽♀️
For those who see me training and think “but you must love training”
Naaaaah… love is a strong word!!
Don’t get me wrong, I do have some training sessions where I feel like superwoman (hence currently trying to channel that inner superwoman with my current sock selection while sitting here writing this with a bowl of porridge in hand preparing to go and train in a minute!)
I also have some tough sessions that I struggle to make it through (even with the help from an energy drink or Starbucks!)
But most of the time it’s just about going through the motions and getting the work done each week, trying to find small wins while I patiently wait for progress!
So how do I make sure I get the most of out of training even when I’m not feeling it?
GET IT DONE EARLY IN THE DAY (as early as I can anyway!) so I don’t have time to find excuses to "do it tomorrow instead”
PUT ON MY FAVOURITE GYM CLOTHES THAT MAKE ME FEEL GOOD - usually my fav DELTA ombre series leggings (and the matching bra); a cool pair of crew socks and my ComfyCush Sk8-Hi vans. If you’ve working from home - do this first thing in the morning so if you’re training later in the day then you’re already ready! (well I basically live in gym gear so I’m always ready right?!!)
PUT ON SOME GOOD MUSIC - my music taste varies from day to day so I find something that gets me going! I mean one day it could be blink 182 and the next day gangster rap - Yes I’m random and go with the flow!!
FUEL UP - I will always make sure I’ve eaten enough before training so I have the energy to make the most of them! If it’s not around meal times then a banana & double espresso work a treat!
STRUCTURE & ACCOUNTABILITY (coaches need coaches too!) - I have a coach who does my programming for me so I don’t have to think about what I need to do, can see progression and have to check in with each week to make me accountable - it takes one thing off your to do list and keeps you on track!
I would 100% recommend if you want to see real progress and results, get yourself a good coach to help you!
JUST START WITH THE WARM UP - now on those days your really not feeling it, the best advice I can give - Just start! It’s amazing how by the end of your warm you can turn from that “I don’t want to do this” to “It’s time to do this now so just get on with it already!” - See, the warm up isn’t just about getting your physically ready for a training session but can also mentally prepare you too!
Right… I’m off to train now…
Keep smiling, keep showing up & remember why you’re doing it!
Or if I’m going by today’s tshirt choice… WAKE UP. WORK OUT. KISS ASS.
