February 12th, 2016

How to Stay Motivated (Even When It’s Hard)

So you decided to finally get fit but after a few months of exercise and healthy eating your resolve has waned and your fitness resolutions are probably feeling like a distant memory. Are you finding it hard to get up off the couch to exercise? If so, this post is for you.

How to Stay Motivated to Exercise

Motivation ebbs and flows for the best of us. The trick is not falling off the wagon when it’s at a low point. Here are 5 ways to stay motivated (even when it’s hard):

1. Your Goal

Make sure you’ve got a goal – and that it’s SMART. And make sure it’s a goal that really makes you excited!

2. Your Why

Remind yourself of your why – the reason you set that goal in the first place.  Write it down, and tape it to your mirror so that it can serve as a daily reminder of what you’re working towards.

3. Your People

Surround yourself with like-minded people. There’s motivation in numbers, so if you’re feeling like you’re out there on your own, do something about it. Seek out other like-minded people, with similar goals to you, either in person or online. Top tip: train semi-privately with your partner and both of you can benefit from working out with a personal trainer!

Having a like-minded friend or family member join you on your fitness journey can be a huge source of motivation and encouragement for many.

4. Your Habits

Replenish. Do an inventory of the daily habits that may be impacting your motivation. Are you getting enough sleep? Eating well? Drinking lots of water? If not, adjust. If you’re tired or feeling gross, it will work against you. Our handy Habit Tracker can help you develop and maintain your healthy habits.

Tracking your fitness habits
A habit tracker can be a great way to stay on track with your healthy habits every week.

5. Your Motivation

Set a mini-goal with a specific date attached to it. If you need some short-term motivation, create some. Set a very specific mini-goal with a specific end date, and work towards it.

Kick up the Motivation

If you’re really feeling stuck, maybe some extra help is just what you need. You know where to find us if you’d like to set up a consultation or kick up the motivation in a big way with one of our excellent personal trainers in Toronto. We also offer personal training in Collingwood and virtual one-on-one training anywhere in the world. There’s something for everybody. Apply here for your complimentary first workout and assessment.

Updated on January 12, 2023.