15 Powerful Ways to Motivate Yourself for Solo Workouts
Before diving into how to motivate yourself to work out alone, it’s important to clarify a few things about exercising regularly and getting fit. You have every right to carry a few extra pounds and still feel energetic, or be physically weaker if that’s your choice.
You also have the right to accumulate fat around your belly or hips, feel sore when you move, and struggle to catch your breath after two minutes of increased activity. You have the right to experience the negative effects of cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. Additionally, you have the right to feel sad, stressed, or frustrated, and to stand in front of the mirror thinking, “I could use some exercise,” without doing anything about it.
With all these freedoms, are you still searching for ways to stay motivated and committed to your workouts? Or are you trying to figure out how to build healthier habits? If so, you’re not alone. Many people start their exercise routines with excitement and dedication, only to lose enthusiasm over time. They begin making excuses to skip workouts, even though they are genuinely committed to their fitness goals.
No matter how determined they are, some people find themselves struggling to stay on track with their exercise routines, feeling drained and uncertain about how to maintain consistency. If this sounds familiar, you too may need some tips to motivate yourself to work out.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 15 ways to inspire yourself to exercise. These small steps can lead to a healthier you. We guarantee that these strategies will help you build the self-discipline needed to establish a strong, healthy, and consistent workout habit. But first, let’s understand why staying motivated to work out can be so challenging.
Why Is It So Difficult to Stay Motivated for a Workout?
Throughout our lives, we often motivate ourselves to start an exercise routine. Whether it’s joining a gym, buying new running shoes, or investing in workout equipment, these are common strategies to spark our motivation.
However, after a few days, the initial excitement fades, and many people struggle to maintain this new habit. Only a small percentage continue exercising consistently.
The challenge isn’t just a lack of motivation—it’s a combination of factors that hold us back from achieving our fitness goals. Identifying these weak points, overcoming them, and reigniting our motivation can not only help us start exercising but also turn it into a lasting part of our daily lives.
15 Smart Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work Out
We hope the tips shared below will guide you on your journey to staying motivated during solo workouts. Imagine the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel as you walk through the door after a session, knowing you’ve done something amazing for your well-being. Let’s dive in and start building those healthy habits!
1. Create a List of Achievable Fitness Goals and Track Them Regularly
Step 1 to motivating yourself to work out alone is to think about why you want to exercise and identify the fitness goals you want to achieve. Write down your goals and place the list somewhere visible, like on your bathroom mirror or refrigerator, to constantly remind yourself to stay motivated.
Include both short- and long-term goals on the list. For example, you might write, “Do 50 sit-ups” or “Run a 5K,” and gradually increase the distance over time. When setting goals, avoid focusing only on your physical appearance. Instead, remind yourself that you want to feel strong and confident, like your favourite role model. This will help you push away any negative thoughts.
2. Begin with Short Exercises That You Can Complete Easily
Don’t put pressure on yourself to work out for an hour right from the start. Instead, begin with small, achievable fitness goals, such as 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, or 10 squats. As you become more comfortable with your daily routine, gradually increase the difficulty. For instance, you can move from 10 reps of each exercise to 15 for your next target, but avoid making too drastic an increase at once.
3. Replace “I Should” with “I Want”
If you say, “I should work out,” it becomes harder to begin. Instead, look at your fitness goals and remember why you want to work out. For example, if you think, “I should run, but I don’t want to,” remind yourself of your goals and say, “I want to feel more confident and stronger, and running will help me achieve that.”
4. Think About How Great You Feel After a Workout
When your motivation to exercise is fading, remind yourself of the amazing feeling you get afterward. Picture the sense of accomplishment, the energy boost, and the satisfaction. For many, that’s all it takes to keep going.
Plus, exercise comes with added perks—like reducing stress, keeping your blood pressure in check, and more. Who wouldn’t want all those benefits?
5. Look at Photos Where You Don’t Feel Your Best
We all have those photos on our phones that we wish didn’t exist—the ones where we don’t feel we’re looking our best. But, they do exist, and instead of avoiding them, you can use them as fuel to inspire your fitness journey.
Next time you glance at those pictures, let them remind you of how far you’ve come in becoming a stronger, healthier, and more confident version of yourself.
6. Invest in a Quality Fitness Tracker
Tracking your progress can be a huge motivator when it comes to staying active, and a good fitness tracker can do just that.
With options like FitBit, Garmin, and others, you can monitor your daily steps, workouts, heart rate, and more. Whether you’re taking a spin class, doing cardio, or simply going for a walk or run in your garden, a fitness tracker gives you all the insights you need to stay on track and work towards a healthier, fitter you.
7. Sign Up for a Non-Refundable Fitness Class
If losing money makes you uncomfortable, use that as motivation to stick to your fitness goals. Join a non-refundable fitness course or class.
Knowing you’ve already paid for it can be the push you need to get up and go. After all, there’s no point in wasting money by skipping out on something you’ve committed to!
8. Develop a Positive Self-Image
Some people believe that being critical of their bodies will motivate them to improve their health. But in reality, this mindset can lower your morale and kill your enthusiasm for exercise.
Instead, focus on building a healthier, more positive attitude toward your body. Work on developing habits that support your well-being, and make an effort to clear out negative thoughts. Learn to appreciate and love yourself more. This shift in mindset can boost your self-esteem and make your fitness journey more enjoyable and sustainable.
9. Treat Yourself to New Workout Gear
If you only have one pair of sports shoes or workout clothes, it’s easy to skip a workout when they’re not clean. To stay motivated, invest in some new gear—whether it’s sportswear, shoes, or workout equipment. Having fresh, appealing gear can make you more excited to exercise and eliminate excuses for missing a session.
Gym equipment can be expensive, so start small if you’re on a budget. Consider buying a few pieces of sportswear, and check online for discounts. Place your workout gear where you can see it, like on a chair or table, to keep exercise at the top of your mind.
10. Do Exercises You Actually Enjoy
When we think of exercise, activities like running or lifting weights often come to mind. But staying active doesn’t have to be boring. Find workouts you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s dancing, rock climbing, swimming, or anything else that feels like fun rather than a chore.
Incorporate these activities into your routine, and you’ll not only get fitter but also look forward to working out. Even a short dance session in your room twice a day can help. Other fun options include Zumba, judo, parkour, or joining a sports team to keep you motivated and engaged.
11. Reward Yourself After Hitting a Fitness Goal
When workouts feel tough, or you’re tempted to stay on the couch, think of something that motivates you to push through.
Rewards can be anything you enjoy—whether it’s indulging in a hot chocolate, binge-watching your favorite Netflix series after a workout, or treating yourself to that new pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing. Setting small rewards for your fitness milestones can keep you motivated and make the process more enjoyable
12. Find a Workout Buddy
While some people focus on motivating themselves to work out alone, having a workout companion can make a big difference in staying consistent.
A workout buddy can offer the encouragement and accountability you need. You can plan workouts together or check in with each other at the end of the day to discuss your progress toward your fitness goals.
Talking to a friend about your challenges can also help you identify what’s holding you back from exercising, whether it’s stress, insecurity, or feeling overwhelmed. A group exercise class is a great place to meet someone who shares your fitness interests and can keep you motivated.
13. Create a Playlist Full of Energizing Hits
It’s proven that upbeat music with strong rhythms can supercharge your workouts. Choose fast-paced songs with powerful beats that push you to move with energy during your sessions.
Some great workout tracks with around 140 bpm include “Beat It” by Michael Jackson, “Womanizer” by Britney Spears, “OMG” by Usher, and “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows. Start playing your favorite tunes as you warm up, and let the music fuel your motivation throughout your workout.
14. Read Success Stories of Those Who Achieved Their Fitness Goals
One of the biggest obstacles to getting fit can be your own doubts about whether it’s even possible. Reading about others who have successfully reached their fitness goals can reignite your enthusiasm and motivation.
Look for success stories of people who were once in similar situations to yours. Their journeys can resonate with you, helping you relate to the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. These inspiring stories can reinforce your belief that you, too, can achieve your fitness aspirations.
15. Stay Fit and Active by Embracing a Hobby
If you’re struggling to stay energized during workouts, consider exploring different ways to keep moving. One great approach is to find a hobby that gets you active. Engaging in leisure activities not only improves your physical health but also boosts your overall happiness and joy in life.
Final Thoughts
Finding ways to motivate yourself to work out starts with making fitness a priority in your daily routine. So, revisit these tips the next time you feel tempted to skip your workout. You’ll realize that these small steps can lead to a healthier, happier you. What motivates you to stay healthy? Share your stories in the comments below—we’d love to hear them.
