With routines in disarray and an unexplainable feeling of lockdown lethargy, it can be so hard to maintain your fitness levels or to keep striving towards any fitness goals you had before lockdown. This is especially true when you’re used to working out at the gym or with a group of friends. So, how can you stay motivated to keep moving and working up a sweat when you’re stuck inside the confines of home?
In the post, we’ll share the best motivation techniques on how to continue ‘quarantraining’!
Research shows we’re much better sticking to our goals when they’re written down. So, make a weekly fitness plan you can commit to – don’t be overambitious, you can always add on more workouts later. Then stick your workout plan somewhere really visible, like the fridge. That way, you’ll have daily reminders and a need to want to tick your day’s workout off your plan.
Make your workout the first thing you do. This way, you won’t be able to find excuses, and you won’t keep putting it off until later. Furthermore, an early morning workout will boost your mood for the day and give you more energy too!
If you have to move furniture out of the way for every workout, then you’ll be less inclined to work out frequently. Instead, create a dedicated gym space and make sure all of your workout kit is ready and waiting for you. Keep to your dedicated setup – even if that is just a yoga mat and towel on the floor. This way, you’ll know that this space is ready to use.
A home workout doesn’t have to be soulless. Create the gym spirit by creating a motivating playlist or even adding some funky lights, if that’s what gets you moving. Make this a time for fun, such as listening to your favourite podcast or singing along to your favourite tunes.
Telling yourself you ‘have to work out’ is really unmotivating. Instead, find your why. Why do you want to workout? Is it so you can compete in an event later this year? Fit into smaller clothing? Boost your energy levels? Feel better? Whenever you’re putting off a workout, remind yourself of the reason you exercise in the first place. That should steer you off the sofa and onto your gym mat.
There are lots of personal trainers who are taking their services online to help people at home stay fit. Having set sessions will mean you have to show up for workouts and you’ll be motivated by your PT too. What’s more, they’ll give you the motivating tools you need, tailored to your personality.
Working out in old, misshapen, moth-eaten clothes is never motivating. Instead, invest in good quality workout wear that makes you feel good. The better you feel wearing your gym clothes, the more motivated you will be to train.
There are so many challenges sweeping across social media that you can get involved in. So why not nominate some friends to join in with your challenge, making sure everyone sends video evidence of their successes? It is a great way to give yourself accountability to train. Maybe you could even chip in for a prize for the most successful at the end?
There are lots of workouts you can do without gym equipment. However, sometimes, the only way to stay on track with your fitness goals is to have the same equipment as you would typically use. Fortunately, there are lots of options to buy home workout equipment that is much more compact and home-friendly. If you invest in the right tools, you’ll probably have more inclination to use them too!
Where possible, see if you can take your workout outside, even if that’s on your balcony or in your garden. A recent study found that 90% of people feel more energetic when being active outdoors, so this can be a great way to keep you motivated and make you train harder.
Here are just ten easy to implement motivation tips; what are your favourite ways to stay motivated?