In the My Peak Challenge community, we understand that motivation isn’t a constant; it ebbs and flows. That’s why we’ve gathered insights from our experienced coaches to help you stay on track and reignite your passion for fitness.
As you read this, you’ll notice some common themes and suggestions. These tried-and-true strategies can be adapted to any fitness journey, helping you find your unique rhythm and stay motivated for the long haul.
Coach Pearl
Knowing that what works for you might not work for someone else is important. But the important thing is not to beat yourself over not succeeding. Easier said than done, but keep trying. Know that you are not alone and supported by your Peaker family.
Here are some ways that have helped me stay consistent.
Know your why. We know movement is medicine. Consistent working out has major health benefits, can improve your quality of life, and possibly extend your life. I like to remind myself that every time I move, it’s an investment in me and everyone I care about.
Create Your Right and Fun Environment. If you don’t enjoy something, it will be hard to continue or stay consistent. Do you like working out with a group? Do you like being outside? Do you do better with a coach? Strength training has always been my kryptonite. I don’t enjoy it until it’s over. 🙃 I know myself well enough to know I need to train in a gym when it’s not crowded, but I still feel the energy of others around me to keep me going.
Mix It Up. There is no one single path to fitness. If you feel stuck or bored with your current routine, try something different. I go in phases where I really love hiking. Then I’ll switch it up for some boxing. And you’ll never know how much you might love or hate something until you try it.
Set a Goal. One of my best friends had knee surgery in January. He booked a hiking trip for June. This has kept him motivated to work on his daily rehab and strength training exercises to prepare for some rigorous hikes. What about signing up for a 5k or 10k?
It’s Just Hard Sometimes. Let’s be real — staying motivated can be super hard, and as much as I love teaching fitness, there are days when I have to force myself to get off the couch. Sometimes, you just have to push yourself. You don’t have to always do a full workout…maybe just a quick 10-minute walk to get some movement.
Listen to Podcasts or TED Talks. So many people have tried to figure this motivation thing out. Some will resonate, and others not so much. This Mel Robbins technique on motivation was very interesting for me. Here’s an abridged version. If you want to know more, she’s easy to Google.
Be Your Own Hype Person. I have a mirror by my door that I write motivational messages to myself. “Let’s Go!” “You Got This.” “Crush This Week!” Put pictures of you working out on your walls. Create a vision board of different activities you would like to do. The more you “see” yourself being fit, the more your brain and body will start making this a reality.
Coach Melissa
Figure Out Your Why. Figuring out my “why” helps keep me motivated. Before I begin any new fitness or wellness journey, I think about why I want to do it. Beyond “I’d like to lose X amount of weight,” rather something deeply personal, like: “I’d like more energy and/or confidence.” When I’m not feeling motivated, I recall and consider my “why” to help inspire me.
Buddy Up. Another helpful tip is to get an accountability partner, which we have a surplus of in the My Peak Challenge community! Find someone with whom you can share your goals, your plan, and maybe even your “Why.”
Start Small. If I’m really lacking motivation, I’ll do just the first 10 minutes of my intended workout. Then, if I’m still not feeling it, I’ll call it a rest day and aim to hit the workout early the next morning. I find my motivation is highest in the morning.
Mix Things Up. I like to mix it up. A variety of activities keeps me motivated and engaged. I’ll set a diverse schedule for the week — some weight training, yoga, HIIT, cardio, and something outdoors to keep me moving and excited about it.
Be Patient. A common mistake is thinking that you will have instant results and quitting when you don’t see those. My sister and I like to say: “We know what happens when we give up, but what happens when we keep going?”
Coach Valbo
Remember Your Goals. This can be key when aiming to get motivated for your sessions. Why did you start working out in the first place? What are you working towards? Keep that top of mind – and if you need to, have little reminders of it on your fridge or on the notes on your phone.
Schedule It. Set some non-negotiables, such as a weekly calendar meeting on a Monday. That way, whenever you arrange things in your day, that time is blocked out for one thing and one thing only. Keep it manageable by blocking out one 15- or 20-minute time period in your week.
Make it a Habit. Making this a non-negotiable can be the key to turning being motivated to work out into being disciplined to work out. Once this habit is formed, everything else will fall into place, and you will have built up a huge amount of mental fortitude. To get there, you need to start today.
Related: Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
