How To Increase Motivation Mid-Workout

Are you unsure how to increase motivation when you’re working out?

Have you ever begun a workout session only to find your desire to continue waning halfway through? You’re not alone. Discouragement often happens for those who exercise, especially when you’re new to it.

You don’t have to toss the barbells once you find yourself unmotivated to continue. Learn to boost your determination even when your goals seem impossible.

Keep reading to discover how to increase your motivation during tiring workout sessions.

1. Bring a Friend

Accountability establishes discipline, but sometimes it’s hard to do this alone. Avoid losing motivation by bringing a friend or family member. You can hold each other accountable and exchange positive energy through affirmation. If you can’t grab someone to join you at the gym, create reports on your progress to have a friend analyze.

Writing a commitment contract helps too. An example of this is paying your friend an agreed-upon amount of money when you don’t finish a workout. Understand this isn’t meant to be punishment. The desire to avoid penalties incites goal consistency.

2. Create a Reward System

Everyone loves rewards, and they are one of the easiest ways to encourage adherence to an objective. Whenever you complete a session, treat yourself. You’ll associate the satisfaction of receiving a reward with the act of completing your regimen.

The anticipation of enjoyment encourages you to follow through instead of stopping mid-way. Choose rewards relevant to what you’re doing. Eating greasy pizza after exercising doesn’t exactly fall in line with your goals.

Rewards don’t have to be major — small acts count. Some ideas include watching a favorite movie, wearing a new outfit or hanging out with friends.

3. Listen to Music

Listening to music can inspire you to get up and move. Select high tempo songs to set a rhythm. Songs that empower you through their lyrics boost morale. Feeling good about yourself increases your energy, which gives you the strength to get through a strenuous session. Music also distracts you, and when you’re preoccupied, time slips right by.

However, avoid relying on the distraction factor. Being distracted lowers your self-awareness. Remain aware of your body and its limits as you work out. Don’t overexert yourself. If you feel overworked, take a moment to regroup.

4. Find Your Reasons

Ask yourself about your intent when motivation ebbs. Establish direct, concrete ideas of why you exercise. Vague statements like “I want to look better” provide little specificity about what you’re trying to achieving.

If you encounter trouble producing goals, explore what other gym-goers cite as their reasons. Memes are a surprising source of inspiration, especially when fitness professionals create them.

Set a routine that benefits you. Exercise isn’t one size fits all. Bicycling, swimming and boxing demonstrate great examples of alternative methods. Choose what you enjoy.

5. Turn Off Your Phone

Social media serves as a major ambition killer. Many people compare themselves to others in ways that prove detrimental. Scrolling through Instagram and Twitter add to your frustration when you see online peers accomplishing more than you or sailing through exercises that leave you exhausted. Keep in mind fitness lovers spend years building systems, so don’t think you must hit their level right away. A low mental state negatively impacts your motivation.

During your workout sessions, keep your phone somewhere you won’t reach for it. If you can’t stay away, turn your phone off. Comparison serves little benefit. Focus on yourself and your goals.

6. Set Realistic Goals

Don’t overload yourself past your capabilities. The urge to level up to intense regimens will persuade you but disregard this. It’s not worth injuring yourself trying to accomplish labor your body hasn’t yet adjusted to.

You don’t have to exercise every day or for hours on end either. Build up your endurance. Start with short workouts — anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes — and lengthen them as you adapt.

Try exercising two to three times a week if you’re a beginner. Lack of experience can make you more likely to burn out.

7. Split Up Your Workout

You may have a busy life that makes incorporating long periods difficult. Don’t worry — you can arrange for this. Set 10-15 minute slots throughout the day.

Training, whenever you have free time, ensures you’ll achieve a decent amount of exercise without disrupting other schedules. If you lack enthusiasm on spreading out an entire session, remind yourself of your goals.

The exercises you do during short workouts vary depending on your purpose. Find a method that fits your expectations.

Feeling Re-Energized?

If you’ve been wondering how to increase your motivation while working out, try incorporating some of these tips into your routine. You’ll realize that maintaining your motivation regenerates your strength and benefits you physically, emotionally and mentally.