How to Get Motivated to Exercise

For years I thought that as a fitness instructor, it was my job to motivate my clients. In fact, the feeling still creeps back once in a while because I got into this career to help people. But I can’t make you get motivated to exercise; that has to start with you. So how do you get up and get moving when you don’t feel like it? 

I read a post on social media the other day about motivation that really clicked with me. It said research shows that it takes action to create motivation. You don’t need to feel good first to get going; rather, you need to get going to give yourself a chance at feeling good. It makes sense, doesn’t it? 

External Motivation Is Secondary

I often talk about how accountability can be a great motivator to keep you consistent with fitness, because it’s harder to flake on a class you paid for or a friend that’s counting on you. Potential clients often say that they need me to keep them motivated, and I see people in the gym working with trainers that coddle them or are really tough on them, pushing them through their workout. There’s nothing wrong with any of this if you enjoy it, but if you think that hiring a trainer or using accountability alone will motivate you, you’re mistaken.

That type of external motivation has to be secondary to what comes from within you. Because if you’re trying to trick yourself into doing something you don’t really want to do, you won’t succeed in the long run. For example, I love taking part in or organizing fitness challenges as a fun way to shake up routine or try something new. But even with the most accountability, encouragement, and group support, there will be people who only participate halfway or not at all. You have to be ready to take action. 

Do you like fitness challenges too? The Winter SWM Pilates & Strength Bootcamp starts on January 27th! 

Find Your Internal Motivation

If you want to get motivated to exercise, the first step is deciding that you want to do it. Over the years, I’ve recognized that the people who make the decision that they want to take action to improve their fitness are the ones who stay committed. They also have found a purpose. The most successful people aren’t driven by looking a certain way, but by feeling good! They like feeling stronger, faster, and being able to do other things in their lives better. It could be running in the yard with their kids, running a marathon, or running errands without pain. 

Once you’ve decided that you want to take action and have a personal reason to do so, it’s easier to get motivated to exercise. I see it all the time: my clients get consistent with their workouts, get excited about how they feel, and are fueled by their results to keep going. It eventually becomes a part of your life, and you’ll barely remember not having Pilates or fitness in your life. 

On the other hand, if you decide to sit around and do nothing, that’s what you’ll get more of… Until you decide to get up and do something different. But no one can decide for you, and no amount of pushing or pulling from a trainer will motivate you. You must decide for yourself and start to take action.

My Role in All This

It’s clear that I can’t force you to get motivated to exercise, but I will always be here to support you. I want you to feel happier, stronger, and more confident in your body through fitness. So once you’re ready to show up for yourself, I’m here to help. I will: 

• Teach you Pilates and functional strength exercises
• Make fitness enjoyable and fun, so you keep coming back
• Help you see the changes that I notice in you because you committed to taking action
• Educate you on how to do exercises safely, with regressions and modifications for your ability
• Show you progressions and challenge you as you get stronger
• Give you the tools to trust your body and ability to exercise on your own or at home
• Provide a time and place that you can commit to showing up to
• Cheer you on! 

If you’re struggling to get motivated to exercise, think about what small action you can take. Sometimes that’s all you need to find momentum again. Think about what action you can take today to get yourself moving, eat healthier, or feel happier. Decide. Take action. Then take action again. See where it goes! I’ll be here to support, encourage, teach, and educate you when you need it.