7 Ways To Motivate Yourself To Go To The Gym

If you’re anything like me, you love that revitalized, hurts-so-good feeling you get after a good workout. After all, the combination of endorphins and the knowledge that you just did something healthy for your body and mind is pretty rewarding. However, if you’re anything like me, you probably also have a hard time getting motivated to actually go to the gym. Even though I know I’ll feel accomplished once I put in the effort, sometimes even just putting on my sneakers and packing a gym bag feels like an overwhelming effort.

There are many facts and research studies that could serve as my “motivation” for working out. Not only does regular exercise help lower cholesterol and manage or prevent depression, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and arthritis, it can also help boost your mood, increase your energy, and can even increase your brain health. Yet, despite knowing these truths, I'm still not always inspired to be first in the door for a spin class. That’s why we partnered with Smirnoff™ Spiked Sparkling Seltzer to find real ways to incentivize yourself to work out.

Here are seven simple yet effective ways that will motivate you to get to the gym:

1. Find An Accountability Buddy

If you think about it, you probably have a friend (or a whole group of friends!) who’d like to reap the benefits of a good gym session, too. Find that friend and enlist them as your accountability buddy. Sure, pressing “snooze” on your alarm and skipping the gym is easy when you’re embarking on a solo fitness journey — but bailing on your buddy is a completely different story. Additionally, studies show that if your friends work out, you’re more likely to as well.

2. Sleep In Your Sports Bra

Our workout clothes are probably the comfiest attire we own. So, if you’re into the idea of morning sweat sessions, try sleeping in your fitness attire. That way, you’ll cut your morning preparation time in half! Not a morning person? Change into your workout clothes before leaving the office. Once you’re dressed for it anyway, you might as well hit the gym.

3. Imagine How You’ll Feel After

Endorphins. A clear mind. Boosted energy. Before you write off going to the gym, think about all of the mental benefits of exercise and how you’ll feel after a good workout. You’ll probably change your mind about skipping this particular sweat session.

4. Track Your Progress

Keeping track of your workouts on a monthly calendar will not only hold you accountable (both for the workouts you do, and the workouts you don’t do), but you’ll be able to look back in awe of how far you’ve come.

5. Do It For The ‘Gram

Whether you wake up for your workout before the sun, or get your sweat on after work, the early morning and twilight hours provide plenty of Insta-worthy moments that are bound to make a splash on your feed.

6. Buy New Workout Clothes

The first thing anyone wants to do after buying a new outfit is to show it off. So, if you’re feeling a little “meh” about hitting the gym, it might be a good idea to invest in some new workout clothes you’ll want to immediately parade around in. You know what they say: Look good, feel good!

7. Pick A Goal — And Let Your Friends Know

Dragging yourself to the gym time after time with no clear agenda in mind can be a bit of a slog. That’s why we suggest choosing a goal — whether that’s to run your fastest 5K, or to be able to do 10 push-ups in a row — and sharing it with your friends or on social media. Studies show that publicly sharing your progress can actually motivate you to successfully reach your goal.

If these ideas haven’t convinced you yet, remember that your healthy activity deserves some reward, so you can treat yourself after the gym! Whether you choose to do so by curling up in front of your favorite TV show or by treating yourself to a new flavor of Smirnoff™ Spiked Sparkling Seltzer, is up to you!

This article is sponsored Smirnoff™ Spiked Sparkling Seltzer, now available in three crisp, refreshing tasting flavors.

Please drink responsibly. SMIRNOFF Spiked Sparkling Seltzer. PREMIUM FLAVORED MALT BEVERAGE. The Smirnoff Co., Norwalk, CT.