Working out is hard. That’s not news to anyone who has set foot in a gym, but it can be tough to stay motivated and keep working out when the only thing you want to do is curl up on the couch with Netflix and eat ice cream. However, what if there are ways you could make working out easier? Not just more tolerable, but enjoyable, maybe even fun! If this sounds like something you might want to try, here are some ways that might help motivate you so you can increase the time you spend at the gym!
Start Small
For most people starting at a gym, spending hours there is not sustainable. Your body isn’t used to the exertion, you’re probably not that excited about working out, and chances are the idea of another hour (or two) at the gym is already exhausting. The best way to make this any more manageable is to start small. Aim for 30 minutes or an hour a day instead of trying to go for multiple hours all at once. Then work your way up to a point where you can set a goal of going for numerous hours at a time and maybe even pushing yourself to stay there for an extra hour after your initial workout is up.
Get A Work Out Buddy
Working out with someone else is so much easier than going alone! When you have someone relying on you, it’s way easier to get up and get going. Plus, having someone to chat with can make a workout way more enjoyable. If you want to push yourself a little further, it’s also totally possible to compete with your workout buddy, whether that’s seeing who can lift the most or run the fastest! If you hold each other accountable, it will be much easier to keep yourself from leaving early and hitting your goal of staying at the gym longer.
Find Something You Love
It’s only natural that you will have a hard time staying at the gym if you hate working out. There are so many different ways to work out; it would be impossible not to find something you love! If running isn’t for you, maybe try lifting weights or swimming instead. Even switching it up day to day might help you not get bored and keep that motivation up. Plus, it’s just fun to try new things! The more fun you have at the gym, the easier it will be to increase your time there.
Reward Yourself
Rewarding yourself is an excellent way to increase your time at the gym, as long as it doesn’t become an expectation that you aren’t meeting. If spending an extra hour in the gym isn’t enough of a motivator for you, put something on the line. If you make it through your workout without stopping or taking a break, buy yourself some new clothes or treat yourself to whatever else you want! As long as it’s reasonable and doesn’t turn into an excuse to eat even more junk food, working out should be fun!
