Simple Workout Tips for When You Really Don’t Want to Work Out

It’s easy to have a love-hate relationship with exercise. Trust me—I totally get it! Some days, working out is a breeze and it’s something I look forward to doing. Other days…well…it’s not quite so breezy, and whether it’s because I’m super tired, stressed about something, there’s a ton on my to-do list, or for whatever reason, I just do not want to work out. Even though I know how much better I’ll feel mentally and physically when a workout is over and how working out helps with my overall physical health too.

For those days when you really do NOT want to work out, here are some simple tips that will hopefully get you moving!

• • Choose activities you enjoy doing. If running isn’t your thing, then don’t choose running as an activity. If you love to swim, then go swimming! And even when you’re doing an activity you like, you still might not love every single minute, and that’s totally normal. But when you’re done, you’ll be glad you did it!
  • Just move. Tell yourself you only have to move for a few minutes, and then do it! Any movement counts: Jumping jacks, push ups, planks, mountain climbers, burpees, dancing, walking…anything. And more often than not, you’ll find those few minutes turning into more and more minutes!
  • Try new activities! I’ve been wanting to try kickboxing…. And we just bought some pickleball rackets, so we’re going to give that popular sport a try!

• Schedule your workouts just like you would any other important appointments, then don’t cancel them unless you absolutely have to. And remember, if worse comes to worse, 5 minutes will make a difference. And 5 minutes is way better zero minutes!
• Include others if you want to. Turn workout time into social time! Grab a friend or family member and solve the problems of the world while you’re both getting in some movement.
• Make work out time your ME time. I enjoy working out with others, but my running time is my alone time, so I treasure it and make it a priority.
• Work out in your environment of choice. When it’s raining or super cold, I’ll run on the treadmill or ride the exercise bike in my home gym, but I’ve found that I don’t get the same mental benefits in those surroundings as I do when I’m running outside where I can enjoy the outdoors and think, figure out, create, and just BE. It’s amazing! So if you love the gym, work out in the gym. If working out at home works best, then do that. If being outdoors is your thing, then head outdoors.
• Remember that exercise is a “get to,” not a “have to.” That simple switch in perspective can really make a huge difference. I know during the times when I haven’t been able to work out at all or like I’d like to due to sickness or injury, I’m quickly reminded that being able to move and exercise is definitely a blessing that I should never take for granted.

No matter what you do, the key is to make working out as simple as possible, and when things are simple, you’re way more likely to do them.

What do you do to encourage yourself to work out when you really don’t want to? Please share!