I love either running or a barre class personally. Running can be easier since I tell myself that I just have to go around the block, after one lap I am usually ready to go further and go harder.
20 seconds rule - I just start doing the workout or or the preparation steps for 20 seconds. It’s much easier to continue after 20 seconds
Lately I have been doing a simple bedroom routine of push ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups in the morning. This works for me when motivation is lacking because I don’t have to go go anywhere or wear anything special. Today I was not feeling well and did not really want to exercise. So I told myself I would just start my simple bedroom exercise routine of push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups with the intention to stop if I started feeling more ill. Simply starting is good enough for today. Surprisingly, I started feeling better as I exercised, and once I completed the first set, I felt motivated to keep going and completed the routine. After exercising and then eating, I feel significantly better than I did this morning. I hope this helps!
25 push ups/5 pull-ups (or pull downs). maybe 20 crunches or sit-ups. it’s just quick enough to not get in my way of time, but just intense enough to feel accomplished.
I’ll usually go on a short walk if I don’t feel like working out. However if the weather is bad or I don’t feel like walking either, I’ll blast some music and dance to it to help boost my mood for the day.
When I lack motivation for exercise, I do something that is not primarily exercise. Usually that’s a walk around the neighborhood, but it can be a trip to the museum or a walk on the park.
When motivation is lacking, I like to start small. Even a small walk or hike in the woods can lead to the motivation you’re searching for to complete a full-on whole-body workout.
My go-to when I don’t have a lot of motivation is usually doing simple bodyweight exercises like crunches, squats, pushups, and planks interspersed with stretching and a few sun salutations. You don’t need to wear anything special nor go anywhere and it doesn’t have to take a long time.
I try to think of something functional. Walking the dog, riding bike to work, or raking leaves helps me feel like my exercise is also accomplishing something I need to do anyway. I know we are supposed to prioritize exercise but my first excuse is, “I don’t have time.” If I’m multitasking, it’s not a waste of time.
Even when I’m not in the mood, or I’m feeling tempted to skip my workout, I always try to do at least something. There’s been days when I just did 5 or 10 push-ups and some jumping jacks, stretched, and called it a day. I still have the satisfaction of knowing that I didn’t just skip it for the day and I feel accomplished almost always.
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.
