The Best Thing I Ever Did Was Believe In Me: My Workout Motivation Tips

Since you have opened this article, you are one step closer to a more positive and healthy life than you were just a few moments ago. It takes 21 days to form a habit; 21 days of healthy eating and working out for you to establish a lifestyle that will sculpt you into a better version of yourself. I am about a month into my journey, and I am truly the happiest I have been in my entire life. It hasn’t been easy, but motivation comes from within; noone can hand it to you, but noone can take it away either. I believe it is important to share helpful tricks with one another, so I have decided to contribute my methods that are helping me be successful and motivated at the gym!

Don’t Be Afraid of Being a Beginner

Everyone starts somewhere. Never be afraid to take the next step to living a more positive and healthy life, even if you have tried and were unsuccessful before. Never consider yourself a failure if this has happened to you; each letdown is a lesson that you will improve on.  Go into your local gym and ask for a tour so you can get an overview of what the facility has to offer. The machines may seem intimidating, but the gym staff is there to help and want to see you succeed. Most gyms have a trainer that you can set up one on one appointments with and he/she will show you the exact exercises, how many reps, and at what weights to start at so you do not strain your muscles.

Plan Your Schedule

When you are an organizational fanatic like myself, planning out my schedule for the week is crucial. I usually like to sit down on Sunday and jot down my school and work schedule, along with any other commitments I have that week. I than decide which days I will be hitting the gym (also deciding on arm or leg day) and which days will be my active rest days. You could also think about any special, healthy meals you would like to test out that week! I love being able to wake up in the morning knowing exactly what the day is going to consist of.

Find Your Routine

The first couple week of working out are going to be a time for trial and error. You are going to get frustrated and see others doing things you wish you were able to. Learning to use specific equipment that is suitable to your goals takes time. I suggest finding a program that fulfills the personal goals you would like to and WILL be achieving. There are multiple apps that set up fit plans for multiple weeks and YouTube videos that have anywhere from 5 to 25 minute workouts for every body part. Slow progress is better than no progress and you will be making yourself proud.

Cute Workout Clothes = Confidence Booster!!!

I have realized that when I wear super cute outfits to the gym, it gives me extra motivation to work to the best of my ability. It probably does sound silly that clothes could affect the approach you take towards your workouts, but I promise it will make you feel unstoppable. There are various stores that sell adorable and affordable clothes. Some of my favorites are Forever 21, Target, and Arie. If you feel like splurging and spoiling yourself, (which you should girl you deserve it!!) I recently bought a pair of leggings from Lululemon and the hype for their leggings is so real. I never would imagine myself spending over $100 on leggings, but I am SO happy I did.

Get Pumped. You’re Killing It Out There

Having a motivational playlist is the perfect way to pump yourself up while your challenging yourself at the gym. I enjoy songs that have an upbeat rhythm and a bass drop. Just make sure you don’t dance to hard on the treadmill that you run sideways and your phone flies to the other side of the room!!! Here are some of my go to songs on my workout playlist:

No Problem – Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz

Just Hold On – Steve Aoki and Louis Tomlinson

Shake it – Metro Station

We Own It – 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa

Good Girls Go Bad – Cobra Starship

Where Them Girls At – Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida

Power – Little Mix

Jump – Flo Rida

Find Your Right Hand and Go To

When I first started out my exercising journey I did not know people at the gym or anyone who was a beginner at trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Luckily my best friend and I found a training program that we started together! It is so motivational to have someone who cares about you pushing you to be the best you can be. If you do not have someone close to you that is into fitness, try reaching out to someone who is! It is a great way to form a friendship and you will create a positive impact on each others lives.

In time you will be comfortable at the gym and you will have a desire to be there all of the time. Set goals and smash them. Here is one of my favorite motivational quotes that I will leave you with: “I will beat her. I will train harder. I will eat cleaner. I know her weaknesses. I know her strengths. I’ve lost to her before, but not this time. She is going down and I have the advantage. Because I know her well. She is the old me”.

All the love xoxo

-Tia