How to make exercise a habit: Tips and tricks for staying motivated

Ah, exercise, the one thing we all know we should do, but often find excuses not to. We tell ourselves we’re too busy, too tired, too… well, you name it. But let’s face it, exercise is crucial to our physical and mental health. So how can we make it a habit? Here are some tips and tricks to get you motivated and keep you going:

Find your why First things first, you need to figure out why you want to exercise. Is it to lose weight? To gain muscle? To boost your mood? To improve your overall health? Whatever your reason may be, it’s important to have a clear and meaningful goal in mind. Write it down and remind yourself of it daily.
Get a workout buddy Exercise is always more fun with a friend. Find someone who shares your fitness goals and make a plan to work out together regularly. Not only will you have someone to hold you accountable, but you’ll also have someone to commiserate with when you’re sore the next day.
Make it convenient If going to the gym feels like a chore, find ways to make exercise more convenient. Maybe that means investing in a set of weights for your home, or finding a yoga video online that you can do in your living room. Whatever it is, make it easy for yourself to get moving.
Mix it up Doing the same workout over and over again can get boring fast. Mix things up by trying new exercises or taking different classes. You might discover a new favorite way to sweat.
Set realistic goals Don’t try to run a marathon on your first day of training. Start with small, achievable goals and work your way up from there. Celebrate each little milestone along the way, and don’t beat yourself up if you have a setback.
Reward yourself Speaking of celebrating, find ways to reward yourself for sticking to your exercise routine. Maybe that means treating yourself to a massage after a particularly grueling workout, or buying yourself a new workout outfit when you hit a certain milestone.
Make it social Exercise doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Join a sports team or a running club, or sign up for a dance class. Not only will you get a good workout in, but you’ll also meet new people and make friends along the way.
Find the fun If you hate running, don’t force yourself to run. Find a form of exercise that you actually enjoy, whether that’s swimming, hiking, or playing basketball. When you’re having fun, exercise won’t feel like a chore.
Hold yourself accountable Make a commitment to yourself to exercise regularly, and stick to it. Keep a journal or use an app to track your progress, and hold yourself accountable for sticking to your routine.
Embrace the suck Let’s face it, some workouts are going to suck. You’re going to be sore, tired, and maybe even a little bit grumpy. But remember, those are the workouts that make you stronger. Embrace the suck, push through it, and know that you’re building resilience along the way.

There you have it, folks. Ten tips and tricks for making exercise a habit. Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being consistent. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun along the way.