Train Your Brain to Say "Yes" to Exercise!

Published January 11, 2017

The hardest part of any workout; Putting on your sneakers and getting out the door. You know you have to do something, but actually doing it can take Herculean resolve. Use these easy tips and tricks to get you in the mindset of accomplishing your workout goals.

Make your own mantra

“I like, ‘Even a world champion was a beginner once’,” says Weight Watchers U.K. fitness expert and personal trainer, Jennie Gadsby. “Getting started might seem scary, but I bet your first day at work was, too, and now you do that every day. And remember, no matter how slow you go you’re still lapping everyone who’s sitting on the couch.”

Learn as much as you can

Read and learn about fitness and health. The more you know, the less likely you will be intimidated by trying a new activity. Aim to read one motivating article a week to keep you inspired and excited about fitness.

Think about the afterglow

While you’re doing it, exercise can seem like a struggle, but afterwards, you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. When getting motivated to work out, focus on the positive feelings it brings, and the long-term benefits to your health and happiness.

Give yourself options

”If I’m not feeling motivated, I’ll just work through my warm-up,” says GymCube.com trainer Pierre Pozzuto. “Normally this is enough to inspire me to keep going, but if not, I’ll swap my planned workout to do something I know I’ll enjoy. For me, that’s some mixed martial arts, but it could be a walk in the woods. No time you move is ever a waste of time.”

Get a workout song

Incorporate a favourite high energy song into your pre-workout routine. Set aside a few minutes before your workout to crank the tunes and get pumped to sweat it out.