7 Ways To Motivate Yourself To Go To The Gym (That Actually Work)

There are some things in life that never get easier, no matter how much wisdom or experience you have. Knowing what to get your parents for the holidays, making new friends as an adult, and motivating yourself to go to the gym are all part of the same confusing algorithm that collectively, we haven’t figured out quite yet.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a fitness enthusiast for years or are dipping your toes into the gym scene for the first time — some days you just don’t feel like working out. Speaking from personal experience, I’ve been running marathons (for fun!) my entire adult life, yet still have trouble motivating myself to hit the gym for strength training.

Fortunately, I’ve learned a few basic tips and tricks that can motivate anyone to get off the couch and to the gym — the first of which is to pick the right gym. Personally, I’ve found Crunch Fitness to be a fun, non-judgmental space that allows me to live my best wellness life without breaking the bank. Once you’ve got that membership squared away, verse yourself in these tried-and-true ways to make getting to the gym easier and more realistic. Trust me: They’ll come in handy.

1. Get Hyped With The Right Playlist

We all have a certain song that just gets us excited to move, and the right tunes can actually motivate you to push through tough workouts. Create the ultimate workout playlist with your favorite pump up jams and new music from your go-to artists, and listen to it only once you’re grinding away on the treadmill or about to start your first set.

More of a podcast person? Save your most-anticipated episodes specifically for the gym so you have something stimulating to look forward to as you sweat.

2. Recruit A Workout Buddy

Doing anything with a friend automatically makes it more fun — and working out is no exception. Find yourself a workout buddy, and plan to meet at the gym on a regular basis for accountability. If you haven’t met your match made in fitness heaven yet, Crunch makes it easy to bring a friend to trial the gym with their free three-day pass. If the stars align, you could be sweating together indefinitely. Plus, most Crunch locations will even reward you with incentives if a friend you bring ends up joining!

3. Do A Test Drive

If you absolutely despise working out, it’s very possible that you just haven’t found the activity that works for you. Crunch’s group fitness classes allow you to try a variety of different workouts, from fan favorites like Zumba and yoga, to proprietary high intensity interval classes, Pilates, and strength training, plus select locations even offer Ride indoor cycling.

Become a class regular, or keep mixing it up on a weekly basis. Whatever you decide, group fitness is a fun way to find your strength in numbers and take your workout to the next level. And with this level of variety under one roof, you can reap the benefits of group classes while still having access to weights and cardio, which means your workouts will never feel stale.

4. Schedule Your Workouts Like A Business Meeting

These days, just about everything requires a plan. Meeting friends for brunch? You’ll have to plan ahead three weeks out. Need to connect with an important colleague for a work project? That’s going on the calendar, stat. Your workouts should be no different!

Simply planning your gym schedule ahead of time eliminates the need to move mountains when it comes to motivating yourself to get there. Block off the time in your calendar so it doesn’t fall off your radar, and create an alarm or push notification that reminds you of your upcoming session.

5. Take The Lead From A Professional

Social media shouldn’t be the only place you get workout tips. Instead, learn from the pros with the help of one of Crunch’s professional trainers. They can help create a personalized workout for you while providing inspo and motivation along the way, making it that much easier for you to stick to your plan.

And even if you’re quite not sold on the idea of long-term personal training, get this: Every new Crunch membership comes with a free CrunchONE Kickoff session with a personal trainer. This is a chance for you to get familiar with the gym, chat about your fitness goals, and develop a plan to help you accomplish them (with or without a personal trainer).

6. Treat Yourself After Your Sweat Session

Recovery is a a key component of reaching your fitness goals and taking care of yourself. Planning a post-sweat self-care activity can help you power through your workout and ensure that you’re restoring the muscles that have worked so hard for you. One of the perks of Crunch gyms are its Relax & Recover services, including HydroMassage therapy beds that use massaging water jets directed at specific areas of the body to reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and improve recovery. Many locations also have additional features like a sauna, steam room, and red light therapy to boost recovery in between workouts.

7. Work Out Somewhere You Enjoy

The best advice I can give you is to join a gym where you feel comfortable. Crunch gyms are open-minded spaces to work towards your individual goals, offering all the equipment and benefits of a top-tier fitness space without the intimidation factor of many other gyms. In the Crunch community, there’s room for everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, race, gender, or fitness level — and the space is colorful, bright, and equipped to help you meet your goals. With multiple tiers of memberships available and both annual and month-to-month options, it’s easy to find a membership that works for your lifestyle.

Sign up for a free three-day pass today and experience Crunch for yourself!