3 Ways to Rediscover Your Exercise Motivation

Much like this blog, I've let my personal fitness go over the last several months. When you work toward a healthy lifestyle, this is bound to happen from time to time. Life gets in the way, things come up, and we all get busy.

Now the trick is being able to work exercise back into your routine,

1. Take out your gear the night before

This method basically ensures that I will work out in the morning! If my workout clothes are staring at me when I walk into the bathroom first thing in the morning, I feel guilty if I do not take advantage of them and work out. 

Taking the time to prep your workout space, outfit, and equipment the night before can make the idea of working out easier.

2. Start slow, even slower than you think

When I first started to incorporate exercise back into my daily routine, I wanted to go as hard as I could a few months beforehand. The reality is, if you take time off from working out, you have to take several steps back in order to build your level of fitness back up properly.

The first few weeks take it easy and start a little more slowly than you normally would. I regularly work out five days a week, but to incorporate exercise back into my routine I only held myself accountable for working out three times a week at first. Setting realistic goals for your plan allows you to focus and not be discouraged because your fitness is not the same as it was before.
 

Image from Forbes

3. Make it a game!

There are more apps and ways to log our workouts than ever before. Different apps offer rewards, achievements, and ways to connect with friends so that you can get social encouragement to keep going!

Utilizing these fitness apps is fun an data-driven. I like to see the results of my work, and these apps often give you that satisfaction. They also hold you more accountable for following through on your workouts.

My favorite apps are MyFitnessPal and Nike+

How do you stay motivated to stick to your fitness plan?

Let me know in the comments!