How to Stay Motivated To Work Out: 8 Tips from Top Trainers
When it comes to maintaining a workout routine, for most of us, motivation dips and rises based on our mood, our health, and outside factors. Without motivation, we may find ourselves struggling to be consistent in our routines and not achieving the results we’re after, so we talked to several top fitness instructors from Alo Moves to get their best advice on how to stay motivated to work out. From carving out time each week on a calendar to blasting music that makes you want to move, here are their top tips for workout motivation.
1. FOLLOW A SET SCHEDULE.
“I've never believed in relying on motivation because that comes and goes. I also don't think it's good to lean on an outside source to inspire you to do something about making change. I think it's more reliable when you have a structure in place like a workout schedule, a training program, or a coach or trainer that you can count on to always be there — especially when you don't feel like doing it!”
- Roxie Jones, Alo Moves Fitness Instructor
Follow Roxie Jones’s 7-day Total Body Training program at home or at the gym to kickstart your workout plan.
2. Treat exercise like an appointment.
“I am lucky that I have always been very self-motivated. I know how much better I feel mentally after I sweat it out and stretch it out on my mat. What I lack is time. My advice for these two things, motivation and time, is this:
Make an appointment with yourself to exercise. Treat is as important as you would an appointment with your boss or someone you would never cancel on.
If you are not feeling motivated, commit to five minutes on your mat. After you have moved for five minutes, I guarantee you will want to keep going. If you don’t, be proud that you moved for five minutes and try again the next day. Take the pressure off, keep it light, keep it fun.
Above all, music makes the biggest difference. Put on music, move your body.”
- Ashley Galvin, Alo Moves Yoga Instructor
3. Remember why you enjoy movement in the first place.
“I don't struggle too much with discipline and routine, and I think a large part of that is due to my focus on why I'm doing what I'm doing. I love feeling strong and energized, and when I move my body, there's so much more room for vitality. That keeps me going when it's not easy to participate in movement.”
- Kirat Randhawa, Alo Moves Meditation Instructor
Create a morning meditation routine with Kirat Randhawa on Alo Moves.
“What keeps me motivated is knowing my WHY, my reason for practicing. This will be personal for everyone, whether it’s a sense of inner peace that sustains us through the day or a feeling of interconnection with the people around us. Remembering how good that feels is an incredible motivator for continuing to develop these qualities within you.”
- Jackie Stewart, Alo Moves Meditation Instructor
Explore different forms of meditation with Jackie Stewart on Alo Moves.
4. Set an alarm and grab a friend!
“Amidst the pandemic, it’s easy to sleep in. If you set an alarm to wake up early and get your workout in first thing, then you're DONE for the day! I also love working out with a friend — meeting up for a socially distanced hike or taking the same live workout classes.”
- Caley Alyssa, Alo Moves Yoga Instructor
Practice morning yoga with Caley Alyssa on Alo Moves.
5. keep it flexible.
“Flexibility: this is a big one. I tend to have ‘big plans’ for myself, and some days I'm just not up for it. This is where I remain flexible and give myself the option to switch course; if I was planning an hour workout and I can't bear the thought the day of, we're going with 20 minutes and we're not gonna feel bad about it. Every single workout that happens counts, period.”
- Emily Sferra, Alo Moves Barre Instructor
Practice 20 minutes of barre with Emily Sferra on Alo Moves.
6. carve out a space at home.
“Make a space in your home dedicated to movement. It could only be the space of a yoga mat, so it doesn’t have to be much, but this space is sacred and it should always be ready for movement. When you have a space ready to go, then it gives you a visual reminder to work out, and it’s easier to get moving because you don’t have to prepare a space in the moment.”
- Adrienne Rabena, Alo Moves Barre Instructor
Hit the mat with Adrienne Rabena’s 7-Day Barre Body on Alo Moves.
7. stay consistent.
“Consistency, consistency, consistency. Minimize breaks and days off. When I miss a day, it's hard for me to jump back into my routine. Sundays are my rest days, but I still do my meditation and breathing exercises, which keep the consistency of a daily practice. If I need a break physically during the week for any reason, I will modify my training to suit my needs.”
- Dylan Werner, Alo Moves Yoga Instructor
Practice arm balances with Dylan with School of Arm Balance on Alo Moves.
8. Plan your workouts in advance.
“To stay motivated, I plan my workouts in advance and always have a goal. This year, my goal is to improve my backbends in Pilates and yoga and run a half marathon. Also, I like to work out by the water. It gives me energy and clarity.”
- Tela Anderson, Alo Moves Pilates Instructor
Focus on your form with Tela Anderson’s monthlong Pilates series on Alo Moves.
Find your own ways of staying motivated with a 14-day trial to Alo Moves.