Tips to Trick Yourself into Working

Are you struggling to find the motivation to exercise? Stop trying to force yourself… you may get to the gym but you won’t walk in with a positive attitude. Fortunately, there are easy ways to trick yourself into working out. Wondering how? Start by getting yourself in the right mindset.

Sometimes getting geared up for your workout is the toughest battle. Try getting your gym clothes together the night before. This way, when you wake up and see them you will be motivated to exercise.

Inactivity can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, illness and mental health issues. That being said, exercise has incredible health benefits. It helps combat health conditions, diseases, improves mood, helps you sleep better and controls your weight.

According to Mayo Clinic, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking, swimming), or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. This mixed with two days of strength training is exactly what you need to stay healthy.

Here are some Tips to Trick Yourself into Working Out

Listen to Your “Workout” Playlist

file404/Shutterstock Music makes you want to move, this is why it’s a great source for workout motivation. Crank up the radio before the gym and get yourself pumped. It’s a great distraction, ups the intensity of your workout, enhances your mood and helps you keep moving at a good pace.

Find a Workout Buddy

Dreams Come True/Shutterstock Having a fitness buddy will be just the workout motivation you need! You will have to schedule your gym sessions ahead of time, forcing you to be accountable. This means, always showing up! Your fitness buddy will promote healthy competition; he/she will push you harder than you would ever push yourself.

Take Your Gym Clothes to Work

Africa Studio/Shutterstock Many of us have the intension to hit the gym after work, but by the time the workday is over the last thing we want to do is hop on a treadmill. Trick yourself into working out after work and bring your gym clothes to work with you. This way, when the workday is over you have no excuses. Since you already have your gym bag, you can go straight to the gym without having to stop home.

Leave Yourself Reminders

Shamleen/Shutterstock Set your cell phone alarm to go off 30 minutes before you want to leave for the gym and place sticky notes on your bathroom mirror and on your fridge. The more you see these reminders, the more you will find yourself motivated and before you know it, you tricked yourself into working out.

Prepare the Night Before

Getting together your workout clothes before you go to bed is a great way to trick yourself into working out. Just make sure your clothes are in eyes reach! Seeing them when you open your eyes will be the motivation you need to get out of bed and start your day off right!

Get a Fitness Tracker

Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock Fitness trackers are one of the best ways to trick yourself into working out. First and foremost, the tracker is always on your person. It’s constantly reminding you of your health and wellness. Regardless if you working out at the gym or sitting at your work desk, fitness trackers help motivate you to stay active. Try the LifeTrak Zone R420, it monitors your sleep, workout mode, step counts, heart rate and calculates distance.