Don’t Quit Working Out! How to Stay Motivated

So, you want to work out and you don’t want to quit. Okay—here come eight tips to help you stay motivated and stick to it.

You can watch the video below or scroll down for the transcript. Either way, don’t give up!

Don’t Quit Working Out! How to Stay Motivated

Tip # 1: Work out early.

If you wait till the end of the day, life will get in the way. Almost every fit person I admire works out first thing in the morning. If that means you have to get up a little earlier, then do it.

Make being healthy your number one priority and make working out the first thing you do.

Tip #2: Sleep in your workout clothes.

That might sound crazy, but if you do it, the second you open your eyes up in the morning, you’re ready to get started. You could even do some sit-ups or hold a plank under the blankets if you want to.

Tip #3: Leave equipment where you can see it.

You know the saying—out of sight, out of mind. If you keep putting your equipment away, you’ll probably never use it. So, put a pair of dumbbells by the refrigerator. Leave some bands next to your bed. Keep a jumprope in the front seat of your car.

Put equipment IN your way so you can add mini-workouts all day.

For some cool exercises you can do with a towel in your bedroom or bathroom, click here:
Towel Workout for Martial Arts.

Tip #4: Drink more water.

No, I don’t mean those wacky energy drinks… I mean, just plain, old water. Water keeps your brain, joints, and muscles functioning properly. That means more energy, fewer injuries, and quicker recoveries, and a clear head.

So, no more feeling tired or tight, drink water before, during, and after your workout.

Tip #5: Don’t measure anything.

This is a tough one. Look—it took you years to get into the shape that you’re in right now, so it’s not really fair to expect to see big changes in just two weeks. Thinking like that leads to disappointment, which then leads to quitting. So, give yourself a month, maybe two, with no scale, no mirror, and no measuring tape. Just do the work.

Tip #6: Keep a journal.

Get a notebook, a daily calendar, a note-taking app—whatever works for you—and instead of writing down what you’re going to do, make it a habit after every workout to write down what you’ve DONE. This does two things…

First, it gives you a record to analyze when you start tracking results down the road. Second, it will help build mental momentum. When you see the proof that you’ve been working out hard day after day, that will fire you up to keep going.

Tip #7: Work out anyway.

Sick? Tired? Busy? Hey—so is everyone else! But that doesn’t mean you can’t do something. Take a walk. Push on a wall. Stand on one leg. Something!

Remember—doing something is always better than doing nothing. Even on your worst day, if you can force yourself to do one push up, you’ll give yourself a reason to be proud.

Plus, movement builds momentum. Force yourself to do one pushup, and I bet you’ll do more. So, no excuses—work out anyway.

Tip #8: Know WHY you’re working out.

Ask yourself—why do you want to be in shape? To defend your family? To see your kids grow up? To hold on to your independence?

If you don’t know WHY you’re working out, you probably won’t. So, get clear—very clear—on what you want. Write it down. Get it tattooed on your forehead. Just don’t forget it! Because if your reason is good enough, you’ll never skip a workout again.

Okay, hope that helps! Try one or two (or all!) of these tips, then let me know how it goes. And start now—right now! Get off the screen and get on the floor for a push up… or 100.

Until next time, keep sweating, my friend and fighting for a happy life!