11 Common Habits Of People Who Love To Work Out

Some people are obsessed with waking up early and going on a run, while others of us have to drag our butts to the gym. Although there's nothing wrong with preferring Netflix over a spin class, it would be nice to know the habits of people who love to workout, so we too can look forward to the next time we break a sweat. Getting excited about exercise is a surefire way to increase the amount we get moving, and who wouldn't want to make working out a little less miserable?

"Exercise can be challenging," says Katelyn DiGiorgio, Director of Training and Quality Assurance at Pure Barre over email. "It elevates the heart rate and causes your muscles to burn and feel fatigued, which can be an uncomfortable feeling for many people. Working past your comfort zone is challenging and also necessary in order to achieve results. The reward comes at the end when you feel accomplished but you have to put in the work to get there."

Maybe you're just getting into a new workout routine, or perhaps you just have always dreaded the gym, but that doesn't mean you're doomed to feel unmotivated forever. If you want to be someone who gets way more stoked about exercise, try to emulate these 11 habits of people who love to work out.

1. They Work Out With A Friend

Make working out more into a social event by going with a friend. "You're less likely to miss a workout when you have someone else relying on you to be there," says Karena Dawn of Tone It Up over email. Not only can working out with someone else distract you, but it can also motivate you to exercise harder, according to a study from Michigan State University.

2. They Take Classes They Enjoy

"Hate spin? Don't do it!" says Katrina Scott of Tone It Up over email. "Love barre? Then get at it! As long as you are moving and toning, it doesn't matter how you do it! You're more likely to make working out a habit if you choose something you like to do."

3. They Put On Good Music

"Put together an amazing playlist," says Scott. "Pick songs that make you want to get up and dance. Those high energy tunes will help give you the pick-me-up you need to convince yourself to workout."

4. They Work Out Outside

"If weather permits, lace up your sneakers and head outside," says Scott. "The fresh air and varying scenery will make your cardio more fun and interesting." Research agrees: A study from the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that people who exercised outside felt more energetic, more revitalized, and less angry than people who worked out indoors.

5. They Reward Themselves

"Set an attainable goal, like do two pull ups without assistance or go four weeks without missing a workout," says Dawn. "Once you reach that goal, buy yourself those cute yoga pants as a reward."

6. Invest In Good Workout Gear

And on the subject of yoga pants, you want to make sure you have the proper attire that makes working out feel comfortable. "Get workout gear that performs," says DiGiorgio. "Nothing's worse than leggings that fall down or a bra that doesn’t hold you up. With all the performance workout clothing available, find something you’ll love wearing while you sweat."

7. They Switch Things Up

"Instead of doing the same workouts over and over, it's good to switch it up and add variety," says personal trainer Idalis Velazquez, C9 Champion brand ambassador, over email. "Experimenting with different forms of fitness — yoga, running, lifting, pilates, cycling, HIIT workouts to name a few — and even incorporating different equipment while doing similar workouts like bands, kettlebells, or medicine balls will keep you out of the same routine and help you enjoy the workouts."

8. They Schedule Exercise In

"Planning ahead and setting a specific time to work on your fitness helps you stay committed and removes any stressors that may occur when not planning ahead," says Velazquez. "For some people, having to take the time to exercise can be a stressor, but setting the most convenient time you can stick to helps eliminate this stress."

9. They View Exercise As A Tool

Working out shouldn't be seen as a form of punishment. Instead, try to view it as a way to better your life. "They use fitness as a stress relief, an energy booster, and as a way to feel stronger in every day life," says Velazquez. "They know exercise is a great tool to living a more healthy and productive life."

10. They Listen To Their Body

Feeling tired? Do a more low-key activity. Feel the most refreshed in the morning? Do a class before work. Forcing yourself to exercise when it doesn't feel comfortable will only lead to frustration and negativity.

11. They Join The Right Gym

"Join a fabulous gym that has a great atmosphere," says health coach Linda Mitchell, CEO of The Chickfit Studio over email. "By getting out of the house and into the gym you're less likely to be distracted by housework the computer or the television."

Although you can definitely motivate yourself to enjoy working out more, we all have our off days, so don't get discouraged if you're not always stoked about heading to Pilates.

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