Tips to stay motivated to exercise
Here are a few tips for staying motivated to exercise
Set specific and achievable goals for yourself
Yes, setting specific and achievable goals for yourself is a great way to stay motivated to exercise. Here are a few tips for setting effective goals:
- Make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Start small and gradually increase the difficulty of your goals as you progress.
- Write your goals down and keep them somewhere visible, so you can remind yourself of what you’re working towards.
- Share your goals with someone else for added accountability.
- Celebrate your progress and accomplishments along the way.
By setting specific and achievable goals for yourself, you’ll have a clear roadmap for your exercise routine and be more motivated to stick with it.

Finding an activity that you enjoy
Finding an activity that you enjoy is a key part of staying motivated to exercise. If you hate running, don’t make yourself do it! There are so many different types of exercise out there, so take the time to try a few different things and see what you like. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Swimming: This is a great low-impact option that can be especially good for people with joint issues.
Dancing: This is a fun way to get your heart rate up and can be a great stress reliever.
Hiking: If you enjoy being outdoors, this is a great way to get some exercise while taking in some beautiful scenery.
Yoga: This is a good option for those looking for a more low-key workout that focuses on flexibility and mindfulness.
Biking: This is a fun way to get around and can be done at different intensity levels.
Remember, the most important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and look forward to doing. This will make it much easier to stick with your exercise routine.
Exercising with a friend or group
Exercising with a friend or group can be a great way to stay motivated. Having someone to work with can provide social support, accountability, and a sense of competition, all of which can help keep you motivated. Here are a few tips for exercising with a friend or group:
Find a workout buddy or join a class: Having someone to exercise with can make the time go by faster and help you push yourself harder.
Commit: Schedule regular workout sessions with your friend or group to help hold yourself accountable.
Set goals together: Having a shared goal can help you both stay motivated and support each other along the way.
Mix it up: Try different types of workouts or activities to keep things interesting.
Have fun: Don’t forget to enjoy the experience and the company of your workout buddy or group.
Exercising with a friend or group can be a great way to stay motivated and make your workouts more enjoyable.
Mixing up your exercise routine
Try new activities: There are so many different types of exercise out there, so don’t be afraid to try something new. This could be anything from a new sport to a new type of exercise class.
Change the intensity: Mixing up the intensity of your workouts can help keep things interesting and challenge your body in different ways.
Change the duration: Varying the length of your workouts can also help keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
Change the location: If you usually exercise at the gym, try working out outside or at a different location.
Add variety to your usual routine: If you have a specific routine that you like, try adding in some new exercises or changing the order of your usual routine to keep things fresh.
By mixing up your routine, you can keep yourself motivated and avoid hitting a workout plateau.
Rewarding yourself
Rewarding yourself for achieving your exercise goals or sticking to your routine can be a great way to stay motivated. Here are a few ideas for rewards:
Treat yourself to something you enjoy: This could be your favorite food or drink a new piece of workout gear, or a relaxing activity like a massage.
Take a break: After achieving a big goal or sticking to your routine for a certain amount of time, allow yourself a day or two off to rest and recharge.
Set a new goal: After achieving a goal, set a new one to work towards. This will give you something to look forward to and help you stay motivated.
Share your accomplishment: Tell your friends and family about your achievement or post about it on social media. Sharing your accomplishments can be a great source of pride and motivation.
It’s important to remember that rewards should be something that you enjoy and that helps you feel good about yourself. Don’t use exercise as a way to punish yourself or deprive yourself of things you enjoy. Exercise should be a positive and enjoyable part of your life.