6 Ways to Find Workout Motivation When It Feels Impossible

It often happens that we wish to look and feel fitter, yet the lack of motivation stands in between us and our wishes. Thinking about exercise while laying on the sofa rather than actually doing it, seems more interesting. Dr Falko Sniehotta, a psychologist at the University of Aberdeen once said, “Knowing what is good for and wanting to do it is, alone, not sufficient to make sustainable behaviour changes.” 

The major problem is that we do not enjoy working out. It is rather considered an obligation or a burden due to which it is often pushed off the agenda. “The hard part about getting fit is starting”, said Amelia Watts, an exercise coach. "Once you get into a rhythm of regular exercise, it becomes a habit and you just get on with it." A study from the University of Alberta found just that: people who exercise regularly don't spend time weighing up the pros and cons of a workout.

So, let’s keep aside the excuses and instead explore the nature of motivation and how we can determine the ability to sustain our momentum. The key to stay motivated is to find value in the experience itself, rather than focusing exclusively on the outcome. Following are some tips you can employ in your daily routine, to make that first move and sustain it:

1. Switch things up: The core way to make fitness a part of your life is to find a form of exercise that you genuinely enjoy. When trying to seek motivation, you can experiment witht different forms of workouts, gyms, locations and even intrustors. Figuring out a workout that you look forward to makes it easier for you to stay motivated and incorporate exercise in your daily routine. Start up on beginner levels and don’t stop until you find the right workout routine. Fitness motivation will come easily when you find a workout that you enjoy and look forward to. 
   
   
2. Schedule it: It would be really helpful if you plan your workouts around the same time every day. For instance, a lot of people workout early in the morning and some prefer evenings or nights for working out. There is no right time as such, the only right time for you. The most important part is to include it in your daily discipline. Consider it like something as basic yet important as brushing your teeth and make it as reflexive as daily rituals.
   
   
3. Set Incremental Goals: We often create obstacles for self when we set goals for ourselves. We get too ambitious and set high level goals from the very beginning. Not being able to achieve them can zap the intentions of an extremely motivated person too. You’ll feel fulfilled when you feel good about what you’re doing. Set realistic goals to prevent yourself from sabotaging your progress and achieving the fitness and health you wish for. 
   
   
4. Find a workout partner: You create accountability when you workout with someone. It gets harder to bail when you know that you’ll let down someone when you won’t show up. Researches also proves that exercising with a partner can push you to work harder during sweat sessions and make it seem more fun too! 
   
   
5. Pump it up: I often wonder how people workout without music. It’s great if you are one of them. Although, I need music booming through my headphones to give me an extra push, keep me motivated and let me dance around to maintain my flow during rests. 
   
   
6. Keep a track: Another great way of staying motivates is by tracking your workouts. You can use fitness tracking apps or a planner to make note of them. To ive yourself an extra push, add it to your to-do list, or make an event and make it as completed when you finish your workout. Tracking your workouts can also help you keep tabs on the impact of exercise on you. You can practice the habit of journaling about your workout and include details about it; like what workout you did (cardio,cycling, yoga, weightlifting, etc), the duration of it and how it made you feel. This record will help you on the days you don’t feel like working out.