14 Tips to Help You Exercise Even When You Feel Lazy

We all want to exercise and stay in shape but very often we are just too lazy. It is so hard to get up and get out there every single day! Laying on the couch sounds so much better. But our minds tell us that we need to stick to the plan and find the energy to exercise. These 14 motivational tips are fantastic for helping you muster up the desire to get off the couch and move your body. Hopefully these ideas will help you get in a good workout when you don’t really feel like it.

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Start Small

If the idea of a full workout is overwhelming, don’t sweat it (yet), and just commit to moving for five minutes. Do a quick stretch, walk, or even dance around your living room. Five minutes is often all it takes to shake off the inertia. Once you get going, you might find that you actually want to keep going. And if not? Hey, at least you did something, and that’s better than nothing.

Make It Fun

You can always switch things up from your typical workout routine if traditional workouts are boring and unmotivating to you lately. Find an activity that doesn’t feel like exercise (like hiking, swimming, riding a bike, or playing a sport), and you’ll be more likely to stick with it because it feels like play rather than punishment. It’s still a workout, even if you’re having fun.

Get A Workout Buddy

It’s harder to flake on a workout when someone is counting on you. But doing it with a friend or workout buddy can make exercise more social and less of a chore. And you’ll have someone to cheer you on during those tough moments that can be hard to experience alone. If you can merge accountability and fun, it’s a win-win for you both.

Reward Yourself

Creating a reward system when you finish a workout can give you extra motivation to get it done. When you’ve accomplished your exercise goals, treat yourself to your favorite smoothie, binge your favorite show, or whatever treat you want to reward yourself for your hard work. Knowing this treat is waiting for you can really help you get motivated to exercise.

Have A Flexible Schedule

Having a set time for your workouts can help make exercise a habit. Put it on your calendar like any other event, regardless of the time or day of the week. But life happens, and it’s okay to be flexible, so don’t be hard on yourself. If your usual time doesn’t work out, fit it in when possible, even if it’s just a quick 10-minute session.

Break It Up

You don’t have to complete your full workout in one sitting. If the thought of a 30-minute session feels too much, break it into smaller chunks throughout the day. It all adds up to a quick 10-minute walk in the morning, a few squats during lunch, and a stretch before bed. And it’s a lot easier to fit in than you might think.

Focus On How Good You’ll Feel After

One of the best ways to motivate yourself to work out is to focus on your post-exercise high. Remember how good it feels when you’re done. The endorphin rush and just knowing you did something good for your body can help motivate you. Think about the sense of accomplishment it brings you to work hard and fulfill your commitments to yourself.

Dress The Part

Putting on your workout clothes and feeling ready to go can motivate you to exercise. It can signal that it’s time to go, so next time you’re not feeling it, just throw on your workout clothes and see if it gives you the extra nudge you need. Getting ready to exercise is the first part of the battle. If you get that over with quickly, the rest might come easier.

Mix It Up

Trying a new yoga class, dance class, or even a different route on your run can mix things up and get you out of an exercise rut. Mixing things up can make your workout feel fun and exciting again. Trying new things is a great way to keep your body and mind engaged while exercising, and you might even find something new you love.

Turn Up The Tunes

Listening to the right music can help motivate you to exercise. A playlist curated just right can be used as fuel for your workout. No matter what kind of mix you prefer to get your energy levels going, you can make a workout feel like a party or a therapy session. It can also help distract you from the hard work and make your time go faster.

Focus On Progress, Not Perfection

Progress is progress, no matter how small. Do your best not to get discouraged and unmotivated if you’re not seeing the desired results immediately. Don’t spend your time fixating on perfection. Celebrate every step of your journey, no matter how small. Focus on the positives so it will be easier to keep going, and don’t worry about attaining perfection.

Be Kind To Yourself

There will be days when you just flat out don’t want to work out or don’t feel like doing it, and that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up over it on these days if they happen. Exercise is important, but so is listening to your body, resting when you’re tired, and caring for your mental health. Sometimes, a rest day is exactly what you need to come back stronger tomorrow.

Start a Challenge

Fitness challenges are great for helping you get motivated and stay motivated. You need to meet those goals! Sign up to run a road race or download an app that tracks your workouts with periodic goals. Having something to work towards will help you stay focused. Have a friend join in on the challenge for some extra motivation.

Pay For a Membership

There is something about paying for exercise that makes you more likely to do it. When you are paying a monthly membership for a gym, you are more likely to want to go just so that you get the most for your money. This is also true for paying to run a race or paying for a fitness app. When money is involved, you are going to be more motivated to move! You don’t want to be sitting on the couch, just wasting money.