Need some extra motivation and convincing to work out today? Keep reading for some new and unusual tips to stay committed to your exercise regimen!
Sometimes it can be so difficult to motivate yourself to go to the gym or go for a run. Especially if you’re usually working out alone, it can be easy to say, “Who’s watching me if I decide not to go? Who’s it hurting besides me? One day won’t affect my physical health.”
Then another day goes by, and another, and another…which turns into a week… “But is one week off really even going to matter? I can just get back to a fitness regimen next week – new week, new start!”
Then a month goes by… “Ok, I’ll start for real next month.” This can go on and on, and we can get stuck in the inertia of laziness. The less we do something, the easier it is to keep on not doing it, and the harder it is to break out of what is easy.
Want to break out of that lazy rut and start getting active again? No idea how to persuade yourself when it comes time to actually get up and move? Want to actually stay committed to exercising once you start? Here are 5 ways you can convince yourself to pick up those sneakers, head to the gym or outside, and actually keep it going!
1. Sign up for an official race!
There’s nothing like participating in a race you never thought you could do, making it across the finish line, and getting that glorious medal! Active.com can help you find lots of local race events, everything from running to cycling to triathlon competitions. You can search by event type (5K, half-marathon, mud run, triathlon, Ironman, bike rides, etc.) and by location.
Currently, there are lots of virtual runs available, in which you map out your own course locally and run on your own (or with a friend), versus having huge crowds congregate for race events with one set course.
No matter whether you do an in-person or virtual event, you can choose whatever distance best suits you. Make sure to give yourself enough time to train by selecting an event a few months away, as needed. You’ll pay a registration fee to join, and you’ll receive a race bib and informational packet, assuring you this is not something to just forget about!
Once you complete your registration, plan out a training schedule to ensure you’ll be ready when race time rolls around. (If you’re doing a virtual event, you may be able to choose your own competition date; treat it like an in-person race, though – actually mark your chosen date in your calendar and don’t move it unless you have to.) If you’re doing a 5K, give yourself a couple months if you’re out of shape – if a half-marathon, give yourself 6 months (13.1 miles is a lot, don’t under-estimate it!). (Check out my review of two 5K running apps to help you train!) The closer you get to race day, the more the pressure will be on! Then when race day comes, there’s no getting out of it – just do your best! You’ll feel so proud once you cross the finish line and get your medal!
2. Bet against yourself with the StepBet app!
This app will really make sure you get up and go! It works like this: you fork over a bet (using real money), and you have to meet a certain number of steps or…you lose the bet! If you meet the challenge, you win money!
First, download the free StepBet app. Then choose from one of the many challenges available. Most of these challenges run for 6 weeks, some more, some less. Registering for a particular challenge involves paying an actual bet, usually about $40. The app will calculate a daily step count for you to meet.
If you meet this goal 6 out of 7 days each week for the duration of the challenge, you’re a winner! If not, you lose your initial bet. Everyone still in the game at the end gets to split the “pot” of money formed by everyone’s initial bets. (A cut of this is taken by StepBet itself – hey, they’ve got to make money – but for a membership fee, you can opt to have the whole pot split without any cut taken out. Don’t worry, if you win, you’ll always get at least your initial bet back, and usually a little extra!)
Money is always a great motivator, so this app works great to get you up and moving! After all, who wants to lose $40? Not only that, but you can make a little too! This app can provide a great incentive to get up and walk throughout the day, or go for a run, thereby getting more steps more quickly.
Check out my full StepBet review here (completely unsponsored!).
3. Sign up for an athletic class (or even private lessons)!
Oftentimes, you can find physical activity classes at your local community center or rec center. There are all sorts of classes you can take; find whatever hobby suits you, and try it out. Interested in swimming? Basketball? Tennis? How about yoga? Pilates? Even dancing!
These classes will usually meet once or twice a week for a couple months, and you’ll pay a registration fee to join. Once you have an activity actually on your schedule, it may be easier to get up and go do it. Grab a friend to sign up with you so you can look forward to it even more!
If your local rec center doesn’t offer anything that excites you, consider signing up for some private lessons in whatever catches your interest. Want to learn how to do horseback riding? Skiing? Ice skating or roller blading? Surfing? Whatever sounds interesting to you, there’s probably either a group that does it or offers private lessons. So get out there and try something new, and have fun with it!
4. Join an athletic league!
If you’re already well versed in a particular sport, find an amateur or competitive league near you. Like baseball? Kickball? Basketball? Join a local team and get some exercise doing something that you love. This way, you can keep physically fit, enjoy life, and make new friends at the same time!
This can apply to other physical activities besides sports as well. If you enjoy dancing and are proficient, find a local performing group to join. If hiking or kayaking is your thing, find a Meetup group that goes to different destinations each week. Whatever physical activity you prefer to do, there’s probably a group somewhere that you can join!
5. Teach others!
If the above options don’t sound interesting or there aren’t a lot of choices available near you, become a teacher yourself! If you’re knowledgeable about a particular sport, dancing, or similar activities, why not instruct others? You could apply to teach with a local rec center, a specialty studio (for things like yoga or dance), or even open up your own practice or studio. Just be sure to get any certifications that may be required before doing so.
It doesn’t even have to be any of the activities mentioned above: if you’re well versed in kayaking, you could probably find a way to teach it!
If you’ve never taught before, it can be a little scary doing it for the first time. But once you start and you get a little experience doing it, it will become more natural. All you really need is passion for a subject area (and any relevant certifications/credentials): if you have expertise/experience and you are enthusiastic about the activity, you’ll be able to share that zeal with others and help them learn to do it too.
Takeaway
When you’re in a lazy rut, it can be so easy to just continue on this path. But following any of these 5 ideas can help propel you out of that rut and into something exciting that you enjoy! So what are you waiting for? Get out there, sign up for a new activity or race, teach your passion, and enjoy life!
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Cover image photo credit: IStockPhoto.com/jelenahinic
