While I’m by no means the pinnacle of health, working out is a big part of my weekly schedule. I was recently asked how I stay motived to workout on a regular basis. That got me thinking about what really keeps me on track and wanting to workout. Today I’m sharing a few tips on how to stay motivated to workout.

Find a Workout You Love

By now, you likely know that I LOVE SoulCycle. Along with SoulCycle, I really enjoy yoga, running, and the occasional weight training session (trying to incorporate more of this!).

I definitely go through stages of what workout I’m loving the most. I mentioned this recently on Instagram Stories, but running is one of those workouts that I have a love/hate relationship with. I’ll go really hard for a few months, usually because I’m training for a long-distance race, and then I’ll completely cut out running for a few weeks. And that’s totally fine with me!

You can always switch up your workouts, especially when you’re in a rut and feeling unmotivated. There are so many different ways to work physical activity into your day, you just need to find one you love and genuinely look forward to everyday!

As a side note, there are definitely days when I don’t want to go to SoulCycle or yoga, even though I love both. On those days, I commit to doing at least something, whether that be a weight circuit at home or a long walk or run in my neighborhood.

Calendar It – Make It Part of Your Routine

This is a big one! I schedule my workouts for each week a week in advance. I write them in my calendar – I know what meetings and after-work events I have at least a week in advance. If I know I have a happy hour commitment on Wednesday night of the upcoming week, I schedule a morning or lunchtime workout. I block off 1.5 hours for each workout, and I write down in my calendar what that actual workout is going to be – SoulCycle, weights, yoga, etc.

I wrote an article on What “I’m Busy” Really Means a while back. Spoiler alert, it means “it’s not a priority.” So anytime you tell yourself you’re too busy to workout, just rephrase that in your head to say working out is not a priority. And if that’s true, then fine. But don’t use the busy excuse. Calendar it and make it part of your routine.

Find a Partner that Motivates You to Workout

The buddy system is awesome in serving as a motivating factor to workout, whether that partner be your significant other, a family member, or friend. Having someone to hold you accountable and someone you can do the same for in return, is a great way to stay motivated to workout.

For me, it’s Michael. Without fail, no matter if he’s traveling for work or at home during the week, he ALWAYS hits the gym before work in the mornings. He motivates me to want to workout. Not only does he motivate me to workout during the week, but it’s also nice to have someone that enjoys incorporating physical activity into weekend plans as well. Morning neighborhood walks on Saturdays & Sundays are a must.

If you can find a partner that enjoys the same type of workouts as you, even better! I love when I can convince my friends to ride with me at SoulCycle and Michael joins me on occasion at yoga!

Take Note of How You Feel After a Workout

Always remember that you’ll NEVER regret working out. The feeling afterwards is so rewarding! The runners high is totally a thing and it applies to every workout, not just running. I guarantee you’ll feel better, emotionally, physically, and mentally after each workout. Even when I’m sore after a workout, it’s a good type of sore – I know I worked something really hard!

That high feeling always motivates me to workout. And if I’m not particularly motivated that day, I tell myself I only have to do a certain amount (for example, I only have to run for 20 minutes) – but once I get started, I always end up doing more because of that high feeling!

Remember to Respect Yourself & Your Body

Michael follows David Goggins on Instagram, who’s a little intense for me but super motivating! I recently saw a video where he mentioned that we shouldn’t only be working out for specific events or to show off to others – like for high school reunions or beach vacations. We should be working out and living a healthy lifestyle out of respect for ourselves and our bodies. How true! If that’s not a motivating factor, I don’t know what is. We each only have one body, we should treat it well!

Workout Outfit Details

I picked up this Plank Like RBG tank when I was in DC a few weeks ago. I’m wearing a size Medium. If you haven’t seen the documentary on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, RBG, you should add it to your list! If RBG has time for daily workouts with her trainer, I think we can all find time in our schedules for a workout! She’s a beast.

I have three pairs of these leggings – they’re the BEST workout leggings. They’re the lululemon wunder under pants in 7/8 length made with the full on luon fabric. That’s a mouth full, I know. They’re super high waisted and the material sucks you in in all the right spots. The fabric is also sweat wicking. I’m wearing a size 6 for reference.

My criss cross sports bra is a recent Amazon find. The quality is great for only $22! It has removable pads and stays put during workouts. It’s available in tons of different colors. I’m wearing a size Small for reference.

Photos by Lauren Anderson