How to Overcome Lack of Self-motivation in Exercise

Why do we know the benefits of working out, but we can't seem to get ourselves to do it consistently?

Look at the facts: According to the CDC, only one in five adults gets the recommended amount of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise. Yet the research shows that even small amounts of exercise can significantly change our physical and mental health.

So what's going on? What are the barriers to fitness and exercise? Why is it so hard to stay motivated when it comes to a fitness routine? It's not like we're lazy - we're working more hours than ever. So what's the deal?

It turns out that among the physical fitness barriers to healthful behaviors, there's one that's particularly deadly to your dreams of achieving your fitness goals: a lack of self-motivation. When you combine a lack of drive with the other main barriers to fitness, it's no wonder we give up on our exercise routines so easily.

So let's take a closer look at what self-motivation really is - and why it's so crucial for exercise success.

What are the Barriers to Fitness and Exercise?

Think of the last time you set out to stick to a fitness plan. What may have caused you to give up on your goals? You’ve probably heard of the incredible fitness effects on mental health - heck, you've likely felt them yourself after a great workout. So, what's getting in the way?

In general, there are four primary physical fitness barriers to healthful behaviors and habits:

• Time

• Money

• Unrealistic Goals

• Motivation

Of these four, a sneaky lack of motivation may be what’s killing your goals. Why? Because without motivation, your passion and drive to succeed will slowly dwindle away. And we all know that when our passion starts to fizzle, so does our progress.

Let's break down each of these barriers and share how to finally start working out and prioritize training in your life.

Overcoming the Barrier of Time

We are each given the same 24 hours each day, yet many feel there “aren’t enough hours in a day” to workout. The truth is there are when you use them wisely. Time management is a crucial skill to master in order to prioritize what’s most important to you. Here are some time management tips to help ensure you make room for fitness in your daily or weekly routine:

Anticipate roadblocks and plan: 

Before your day even begins, take a few minutes to think about what might get in the way of your workout. If you anticipate being short on time, wake up earlier or work out during your lunch break. If you know you'll be too tired after work, try working out in the morning.

Set a schedule and stick to it:

Once you've identified when you're going to exercise, make it a priority by putting it in your calendar or setting a daily alarm. Treat your workouts like any other important meeting or engagement you can't miss. You can also connect with a trainer who can hold you to your commitments!

Make it a habit:

According to research, it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. So if you want working out to become part of your regular routine, start by setting the goal of exercising three times per week. Once it becomes a habit, you can increase the frequency and intensity of your workouts.

Overcoming the Barrier of Money

For many,  money feels like a significant barrier to fitness. But money is all about perspective. How much are you spending on things that don't contribute to your health and well-being? If you spend $5 a day on coffee, that's $35 a week or $140 a month. That's certainly enough money to cover the cost of a gym membership.

Put a value on your long-term health by considering the cost as an investment in your future. You know that physical fitness helps mental health - so why not spend a bit of time in a gym in Vancouver Instead of in line at the coffee shop to boost your overall mood, clarity, and physical health? 

Overcoming the Barrier of Unrealistic Goals

When it comes to learning how to finally start working out consistently, small and realistic goals are essential. Going from never working out to five days a week right away is just not usually feasible or sustainable (no matter how much fitness trainer motivation you get!).

The problem with setting lofty goals is that they often require major lifestyle changes that are difficult to maintain long-term.

Instead of going all-in from the start, focus on setting small goals you can realistically achieve and build upon. 

For example, start by working out three times a week for 20 minutes each session. Once that becomes part of your routine, you can gradually increase the frequency and duration of your workouts.

Setting realistic goals is the key to learning how to overcome lack of self-motivation in exercise routines! Speaking of motivation…

Overcoming the Barrier of Motivation

Speaking of how to overcome lack of self-motivation in exercise, here’s some advice on how to overcome this limiter. A lack of motivation is one of the biggest killers to implementing any workout routine.

One of the best ways to do this is to find a workout buddy or community. When you have someone to hold you accountable, you're more likely to stick with your workout routine. Plus, it's more fun to exercise with friends!

Does Fitness Help Mental Health? The Benefits of Regular Exercise

If you need a bit of extra motivation to get out and sweat, here's something that might help: exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health.

That's right - the benefits of regular exercise go way beyond physical fitness. Studies have shown that working out can help with everything from anxiety and depression to brain function and memory. One study showed that just 15 minutes of daily activity can reduce depression risks by 26%!

So next time you're feeling stressed or down, remember that a good workout may be just what you need. Regular exercise will ultimately boost your mood and overall wellbeing – you just have to get yourself to the best gym in Vancouver, WA!

Find Your Motivation with Tectonic Strength & Conditioning

Overcoming the main barriers to starting a workout routine by carving out the time, investing the money, setting realistic goals, and increasing your motivation - is essential to success.

That's where we come in. At Tectonic Strength & Conditioning, we're here to help you find your fitness motivation and stick with your workout routine. The team of certified trainers at our Washington gym will work with you to set realistic goals and stay motivated. Whether you choose a 1:1 approach with our personal training or join in our group classes, we'll customize your exercises to ensure you get an effective workout for your fitness level each time. 

If you're ready to get serious about your health and fitness journey, contact us today. We can't wait to help you reach your goals!