So, right now, our workout options are a bit limited. Gyms are shut for the foreseeable future, so between outdoor workouts like running, etc, we’re stuck with home workouts.
But we are lucky though, because the home workout world is a big place, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much there is to choose from in regards of apps, workouts, advice, etc… there is pretty much something for everyone.
But what happens when you have no motivation?
Well, let me tell you, it isn’t easy.
I’ve never been a home workout kinda gal, I quite honestly could never be arsed which is why I’ve always gone to the gym and also I think why I like fitness classes so much, is because 1. they’re scheduled in so I’m more likely to go and 2 . you’ve got someone there pushing you and motivating you. I rarely even go into the actual gym because I can never trust myself to fully push myself 😂
So I won’t lie, when this all kicked off, I was worried, I’d been going to the gym 4/5 times a week for the past three years, and I enjoy it, it helps to keep my mental health in check and is just a part of my daily routine, so I was naturally a little worried.
However, although the past however many weeks hasn’t been a walk in the park, and my workout routine has changed massively, it’s not been as bad as I thought.
Today, I thought I’d share some tips for when you’re finding it hard to motivate yourself, as I’ve had a few questions via DM recently about this very topic so thought it might be useful to write a blog post.
So let’s go!
Tip 1 : Don’t Stress If You Don’t Feel Like Working Out
First of all, don’t be too hard on yourself, if working out is the last thing you want to do right now. We are going through a pandemic right now, a lot of us are isolated away from our family and friends and life is tough right now. So it’s pretty natural to maybe not be as motivated as normal or feel like doing a work out. Don’t sweat it.
I used to try and push myself and if I didn’t do a workout, I’d make myself feel so guilty but I’ve stopped doing that now. If I don’t want to workout then I wont. Although sometimes I make myself cause I know it will make me feel better but there’s different days where you just can’t be arsed and when your body is saying ‘no.’
Tip 2 : Find Workouts You Enjoy
So, I started my home workout journey doing workouts I do at the gym, so weights, and HIIT. However I soon found I didn’t enjoy doing these at home. I found doing HIIT in the living room actual torture, and I tried loads of apps and I didn’t like the one on one sessions with limited music. I found it boring and then when it came to do a workout, I was like nah, no way.
Instead, I’ve been trying different things, I LOVE the Les Mills On Demand app, I usually do Les Mills workouts at the gym and the app is great, I will literally sing their praises to anyone who will listen. But what I like about the workouts on the app is that they’re done in a class setting, and for me I just prefer that.
The music is good, you feel less like you’re in your living room on your own and more like you’re in a class.
I also have pretty much stopped with the HIIT workouts, I will do one now and then but I won’t do them all the time as I just didn’t enjoy doing them at home.
Instead I’ve found a new love for Body Combat and I’m going to try Sh’Bam soon which is a dance type class.
I’ve figured as long as I’m moving, and having fun/emjoying myself that’s all that matters, and if I enjoy a workout, I’m going to be more motivated to do it!
So try a few apps, and a few workouts and find out which you enjoy and then go from there. Here are some of my faves.
Tip 3 : Change Your Workout Time
I found that to start with, I was trying to do my workouts in the evening which is when I normally go to the gym. This was fine when we were only permitted one daily walk as it meant I could work out and Henry could walk Frank.
However now we’re allowed unlimited exercise and the nights have become nicer, I found myself to rather go on a walk with Henry and Frank and then I felt like I had to choose between my workout and a walk.
Instead, I’ve started doing workouts quite frankly when I feel like it. I quite like doing them mid morning, or mid afternoon, and right now, when all routine goes out the window, it doesn’t really matter when you do them, so find the time that works best for you!
Tip 4 : Do Shorter Workouts
Another thing I’ve been doing is shorter workouts, some days, the thought of doing an hour long body pump class is just a no from me, so I’ll do a shorter version or choose to do quicker workouts.
I find it’s easier to motivate myself if it’s bit shorter and you can always add on if you get to end and think ‘right I’m here now so may as well do something else.’
Tip 5 : Make A Plan of Workouts
I find that I’m more likely to stick to a workout routine, if I’ve made a list/goals for the week. Usually on a Sunday or Monday, I’ll write down how many workouts I want to do and which ones. I find that making a routine for each day helps me to stay motivated and on track.
As I found on the days where I didn’t know what I was doing, I was more likely to skip.
Atm, I’m aiming for 3+ workouts, I’m usually doing 2-3 Body pump classes a week and then 1-2 cardio sessions. But I write a goals list and if I make it past 3 then great, but if not, I completed my goal. We’re taking Frank on longer walks too so I don’t feel too bad as we’re doing that most evenings too.
Tip 6 : Don’t Stress
My final tip is very similar to tip 1, but in that just don’t stress. Don’t feel you have to workout, and don’t worry if your routine is different to normal.
Once the gyms are back open, it wont be long till were all doing our usual routines again so there’s no need to stress.
I do recommended doing some sort of daily exercise though as it does make you feel better, I always find that working out (especially at the moment) helps me to calm down, and sleep better.
Body combat is also wonderful for anxiety! I pretend to be punching all my worries away ahah.
I hope this post has been helpful and if you have any other questions please do DM me on Instagram!
If you have any home workout tips, I’d love to know!!
