How to Find Motivation for the Gym

I am not sure how some people do it. Are they born this way? Do they crave something that maybe I am just allergic to?

I just do not understand how some people enjoy going to the gym.

Recently, I’ve been at this crossroads with myself. A place that I have been one too many times… where I value my health but I have no desire to go to the gym. You see, I love my body. All the curves and strength it contains but I also know that in order to be healthy and be around for a long time, I need to sweat sometimes. Finding that motivation is very difficult for me. I wake up at 5 am everyday, to be at work by 7 am. By the time I get home I’m exhausted and the last thing I want to do is run on a freaking treadmill (eww.)

HOWEVER, this time I am determined to create an exercise schedule that suits my lifestyle. It’s on my list of things to accomplish in my 25th year of life (click here for that blog post) and I am going to do it!

Here are some changes that I recently made:

1. I started picking out my workout outfits ahead of time

This helps me because I am less likely to workout if I have to stress out over what I am going to wear. Unfortunately I am not one of those “cool” people that can throw a garbage bag on and look good (i wish) I make sure my outfit is cute and makes me happy. I tend to wear all black to the gym (i guess its a funeral for my fat anyways) and I make sure my bag is all packed. I put deodorant, lotion, a hand towel, granola bar, water bottle, and my headphones in my bag.

Some of my favorite black workout pieces:

2. I set an alarm

Nothing makes me feel more guilty than shutting off an alarm, fully aware that I am not going to the gym when I was supposed to. I write some crazy reminder, and even if I snooze it, I end up going to the gym because I do not want to disappoint myself.

3. I started taking pre-workout

I am not a fitness person, so I am not informed of exercise products like other people. My husband on the other hand loves working out. He has recently turned me on to drinking pre-workout. It gives you that perfect amount of energy to wake you up for a workout without keeping you up all night like caffeine usually does. I take it about 20-30min before going to the gym.

Click here for the link to the one my husband and I drink. We like the grape flavor.

4. I wrote down my “whys“

I’ve done the thing where I write down my goals and they always sound the same. “Exercise at least 30 mins everyday; Go to the gym” But these goals have never worked for me. Instead I have replaced them with why I want to go to the gym. I am focused on the end product and I realize how I am cutting myself short if I don’t follow through.

Why do I want to exercise?  I do not want to have diabetes. I want to be able to run without struggling. I want to have more energy. I want to lower my anxiety.

5. I started doing exercises that I actually enjoy

This one had to be the hardest because it took me a long time to figure out what I actually like. And the truth is that any exercise is better than no exercise. When I go to the gym I want to do workouts that make me want to go back. I personally hate running. Nothing feels worse to me than feeling my body jiggle while running in front of other people. Instead of running, I enjoy the elliptical or bike for my cardio. Then I go and do some weights along with yoga, all depending on my mood that day.

I also found a workout that pushes me and I enjoy a lot. Recently I’ve been attending CycleBar at Brier Creek, Raleigh, NC. It’s like going to an exercise concert! The music is loud, the lights change color and you cycle with a class for 60 minutes. The instructor is really motivating and fun. You cycle to the beat of the music and they also incorporated arm workouts with a weighted bar on your bike. The first class was difficult for me. I didn’t even know how to click my shoes onto the bike (smh) but the employees there were very quick to help and make sure I felt comfortable. The best part was the sense of accomplishment when finished. The overall atmosphere is very supportive and judgement free. I loved it and instantly signed up for some more classes. If you are interested in going, your first ride is free!

These are my recommendations for finding motivation for the gym.

If you’re interested in following my journey follow me on Instagram @modern.vanity

I document all my workouts & where I go.

Are there any exercises that you love? Or tips for the unmotivated?

Comment below!