10 Proven Ways to Conquer Your Exercise Struggles
Are you struggling to exercise? You aren't alone. Many people have difficulty getting to the gym or motivating once they are there. However, there are many things you can do to maximize your chances of getting a good workout. Here are ten proven ways to conquer your exercise struggles, from expert tips to research-based hacks.
Set Realistic Goals
Sara Haley, American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified trainer and instructor, recommends starting by setting realistic goals. "The smaller, the better, or underestimate so you set yourself up for success," she says. "For instance, if you want to lose 10 pounds, set your goal for 7 to 8 pounds. That way, when you lose 5, you don't feel so bad."
Force Yourself to Exercise
Make yourself exercise, no matter what. "Stop waiting to feel motivated," Haley encourages. "Sometimes you just have to make yourself."
Do Something You Enjoy
If you hate running, then find another workout that sparks joy, says Haley. "Do something you actually enjoy," she encourages. "The more you like the movement, the more likely you are to do it more often."
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Be Accountable
Having an accountability buddy helps ensure you do what you say you are going to do. "Accountability is everything. If you share your goals with someone you love, you are more likely to carry them out," explains Haley.
Give Yourself Grace
Haley also recommends giving yourself a little grace. "You are going to have your ups and downs. We all do. Forgive yourself and keep moving forward," she says.
Don't Compare Yourself to Others
One of the most discouraging things you can do is compare yourself to others, says Risa Sheppard, Master Pilates trainer and creator of The Sheppard Method. "We all come with our own insecurities and expectations. Everyone is built differently and has a different background in fitness, and although they appear to have it all, believe me, they do not. So do as best as you cannot to compare or attempt to try an exercise just because the person next to you looks great doing it. Know that you are doing this for yourself and no one else," she continues. No one is perfect, and neither are you. Just do the best you can and leave at that."
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Trick Yourself
Soraya (@project.s.lifestyle), a weight loss coach and TikTok influencer with a massive following on social media, revealed one of her workout hacks in a viral video. When she doesn't feel like working out, she sets a goal for just 10 minutes of exercise. However, once she gets to the gym and hits the 10-minute mark, she tells herself "I'll do one more thing and then I'll leave," she says. "45 minutes later I finish my whole workout."
Make a Playlist
If you have trouble staying motivated at the gym, put together a heart-pumping playlist of your favorite tunes. Studies show that faster-paced music tends to help improve athletic performance when a person engages in low-to-moderate level exercise, either by increasing distance traveled, pace, or repetitions completed.
Treat Yourself
Another way to get motivated to hit the gym? Incentivize yourself. Do you love a good steam room or sauna session? Join a gym where you can unwind after your workout. Or, set a weekly goal, and if you achieve it, treat yourself to your favorite dessert or drink. Studies show that incentives can work when it comes to getting yourself to exercise.
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Watch a Show or Talk to a Friend
While the idea of spending 30 minutes on the treadmill might seem boring, make it more fun by adding an activity to the mix. Whether that is catching up on your favorite Netflix series or chatting with a friend on the phone or right next to you, if you are enjoying yourself, the time will pass by more quickly.
💪🔥Body Booster: Try a workout that you actually enjoy. The more you like it, the more likely you are to do it more often.
