Yesterday as my alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. alerting me that it was time to get up and ready for my weekly Saturday long run, it hit me...the "Do I really have to? Want to? Need to?" conversation that creeps into my head every now and then.
Like many of you, I have been exercising consistently 5-6 days a week for several years. And the fact that daily exercise is now a habit usually gets me out the door before I even realize what I am doing; but periodically I do have to shake things up a bit when my motivation is running low.
Ten Things I Have Found To Bring Back My Workout Mojo:
(most of these are written with running in mind, but you can easily insert your mode of exercise...)
1. Plan your run (or workout) ahead of time so you know where you are going.
2. Try a new route...scope it out in the car first or use gmap pedometer.
3. Buy something new to wear: shoes, hat, head band, water bottle holder, fanny pack. (always fun to have something new to try).
4. Put together a new play list.
5. Try running your usual route backwards.
6. (My fave...) Plan to go with a running partner. It is always easier to get out knowing someone is waiting to meet you.
7. Set your clothes out the night before and make sure that everything is charged...gps, tunes etc.
8. Try a new form of nutrition. Right now I am cutting Cliff bars in half. They taste pretty good and so far minimal digestive issues. (This is for my long runs--over 90 min)
9. Make it a destination run...like to get your favorite sports drink or to meet family members at the park or even to mail a letter.
10. Run where it is most beautiful/inspiring for you.
P.S. Remember these guys...in the above photo? For you newbies to Ffit, Deanne used to have an "all guys" in addition to co-ed boot camps.
What motivates you to run (or workout)??
Kathleen Allen
Blog Editor
I loved this post because I really did not want to get up early today and workout EVEN though I know how I feel each time I do......GREAT!!! I KNOW this. I even tell myself, "remember how good you always feel at the end!" But some days are harder than others. And then some days are just easy! Great list of suggestions to motivate!
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