This post is sponsored by Neiwai. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I love!
It’s no secret that exercise is one of the most important things we can do for our health and yet there are times when it truly feels like the absolute last thing we want to do. If it makes you feel better, we ALL go through workout ruts and finding the motivation to get back into a solid workout routine can be a serious struggle. I know from personal experience that the longer I allow myself to go without prioritizing movement, the harder it is to jump back into my routine.
I’ve been navigating through a particularly difficult time in my life and the need to “fall back in love” with my workout routine has never felt more necessary. If you’re also struggling with workout motivation, just know you’re not alone and that there are definitely ways to fall back in love with fitness and, dare I say, actually look forward to your next sweat sesh!
I hope the following tips can help ignite a little spark of motivation and get you excited about moving your body in a way that feels good.
Reframe Your Mindset
There’s so much power in our mindset and the way we view working out can be the key difference between dreading going to the gym and looking forward to it. I find that reframing my mindset from the idea that I “have” to exercise and focusing on gratitude for the fact that I “get” to move my body is a great place to start. It sounds pretty trivial, however when you start to be more intentional about the language you use around movement, it really does become something you feel more positive about.
Along with reframing your mindset around the general idea of working out, there’s also a lot of power in focusing your mindset on the “why” behind it. For me, exercise can be such a great stress reliever and generally leaves me feeling productive and accomplished. It can also be a really fun way to spend time with friends, which is why group fitness is something I gravitate towards again and again.
Find a Workout That You Actually Enjoy (and switch it up!)
Speaking of group fitness, I’m a BIG fan of switching things up and sticking to workouts that I actually love. Mustering up the motivation to work out can be enough of a struggle on its own. So why throw in an additional hurdle by making it a workout that you loathe, right?
If you want more cardio but hate running, maybe try dance cardio or spinning instead? If you’re looking to strength train but hate lifting weights alone at your local gym, try out a group fitness studio like Barry’s.
There are lots of ways to move your body and I encourage you to try different classes, fitness modalities, trainers/instructors, gyms, studios, etc. until you find something that actually has you smiling during it. I know that sounds a bit excessive but trust me, there are quite a few classes I’ve done where I’m feeling SO good that I’ve found myself full on grinning mid-exercise. Those are the workouts that I go back to whenever I know I need a little more help getting back into routine.
Dress The Part
I’m not saying you have to put on a matching set in order to get an amazing workout in… but it certainly doesn’t hurt! Personally, wearing activewear that fits well, looks cute and makes me feel good about my body does wonders in mentally getting myself pumped up to do a workout! That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to Neiwai, an Asian female-founded brand that uses premium, eco-friendly materials in all of their apparel. I love the minimalist look of their designs and was so excited to test out their activewear (they also make loungewear and lingerie).
Their Mousse Active collection has a micro-suede texture that feels so luxuriously soft while also being moisture-wicking and perfectly supportive for any low-impact workout like Pilates, Barre, and Yoga.
I’m obsessed with both the emerald green and neutral mushroom colors and have a feeling I’ll be wearing them ALL through Fall and Winter. Just add a few cozy layers and it’s an easy studio to street look!
✨What I’m Wearing✨
Mousse Core Light Support V-Back Sports Bra
Mousse Light Support High Waist Leggings (emerald + mushroom)
Mousse Light Support V-Back Long Sports Bra
Save 20% off with code: mei {valid till 09/15, for first purchase on NEIWAI.life}
Start With a Small Goal
We’ve all heard of SMART goals and this is something that can be super helpful when looking to kick start your workout routine. Instead of saying something vague like “I want to workout more often” , set a small goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
For example, your goal can be something like “I want to walk for 30 minutes every day for the next month.”
When you’re trying to get back into a consistent workout routine, sometimes setting a specific small goal can be that game changer. Especially if you write it down or tell someone who can help hold you accountable. Which brings me to my final tip…
Get an Accountability Buddy
Working out with a friend or partner can make it so much more enjoyable and turn workouts into a social activity! Find someone who wants to workout with you and schedule some classes together. It’s one of my favorite things to do with friends and I’m always SO much more motivated to head to a studio if I know I’m meeting someone there.
Physically working out together isn’t the only way to have an accountability buddy! My husband shares his smartwatch stats with a few of his friends so they can all see when each of them completes a workout. It’s sort of a friendly competition and a helpful way to stay motivated and accountable to keep working towards your own goals.
There are also plenty of online communities with chat forums, private Facebook groups and other ways of connecting with other people who are also starting a workout routine. The beauty of being involved in a fitness community is that you end up with hundreds or even thousands of accountability partners that are all on a similar journey as you. Which I have to say, is pretty magical.
Building a healthy habit that you truly enjoy can take time, patience and a whole lot of trial and error. As someone who used to hate exercising – trust me, falling in love with your workout routine is entirely possible and I hope these tips help you with your journey to get there! I know I’m personally leaning on them a lot these days and have already felt a difference.
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