The best of us have all had moments when we desperately search for a way out of exercising. Too cold outside. Super busy and exhausted. Maybe you are just being lazy today. All are valid and real excuses. So instead of attempting to motivate yourself, here are 6 simple ways to trick yourself into a workout.
- Commit to 1 Minute of Exercise.
Tell yourself you will do squats for 1 minute, no more, no less. Now, here’s the magic, more times then not, that 1 minute creates momentum to get you to do a second minute, then a third, then ten. Mentally committing to 1 minute of exercise may trick you to physically commit to more.
2. Reward Your Kids.
We let ourselves “Off the Hook” way too easy when we lose our motivation. Yet, committing to another person creates a higher level of accountability because we don’t let those people down. If you are a parent, imagine making a promise to your kids that you will take them to the park on Saturday only if YOU stick to your exercise plan this week. And if you don’t, then you will have to break the news that you can’t take them to the park; making for very disappointed kids. As a matter of fact, those kids will become your biggest alley. The same tactic can be modified and applied to your friends.
3. Have a Dedicated Exercise Spot.
Creating a dedicated exercise spot at home or the office that is convenient could be the solution to tricking you into exercising. Post a workout routine on the wall so you know exactly what to do when you step into your “gym”. Another possibility is to hire a personal trainer to stop by and take you through a workout.
4. Change Your Clothes.
Go ahead and dress up in the clothes you would workout in. Having your workout wear already on will get you one step closer to jumping into the workout. If this is not an option because of where you work, then bring a change of clothes with you to the office so you can go straight to the workout without going home.
5. Happy Hour.
Instead of checking out the bar scene with your friends during happy hour, tell the group to meet you for a hike or exercise class. Think of this as just being more efficient with your time, getting in your workout and socializing, all at the same time.
6. Set an End Date.
Create a date to begin and complete your fitness journey. I suggest you do not go beyond 30 days. Yes, taking care of yourself should be a lifestyle and not end after 30 days, but we are talking about tricks to get you to commit. Having a set time and end will create a greater commitment from you to take action during that time. And when the 30 days have come to an end, you can always re-commit to another 30 days.
Now what?
You know what to do, now it’s time to execute. I want to set you up with a plan to help you succeed.
Check out the 3 Minute Body Toner I’ve created to get you up and moving.
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