Staying active and prioritizing your health when you’re a college student or someone with a tight schedule can be one of the most challenging things to do. I struggle with this as I don’t have any significant weight loss or body goals; therefore, staying active is for being healthy. It is hard to prioritize this, but we all know the importance of having a healthy body and mind! Therefore, Im here to provide my top tips on staying motivated to move!
Pick out some tunes
Every good workout starts with a playlist that energizes us. Songs with a steady rhythm or beat can provide a rhythm to go with during runs and reps when lifting weights.
Here are some of my TOP workout songs to get your body moving:
Make sure to check out my workout playlist!
Follow Along
My biggest tip for getting up and doing the workout is following along! I love to watch youtube videos for EVERYTHING. Of course, this includes working out & staying active. I find that when I watch youtube videos instead of trying to come up with the workout myself, I feel a lot more motivated because it takes a layer off that might deter me from actually doing the exercise.
I also found that to increase productivity, a lot of people will body double:
“Body doubling is a tool some adults use to help them start and complete projects. Sometimes referred to as an accountability partner, it is a technique for better productivity.”
Chadd.org, 2023
For example, doing workouts through a youtube video is a form of virtual body doubling!
Cute Workout Gear
Nothing makes us feel our best like a brand-new outfit. This idea transfers to gym time too! Invest in your gear and make it feel customized to you. I have hot-pink workout sets that make me feel amazing at the gym.
Tailoring your gear to your personality goes deeper than just outfits. Upgrade or personalize your gym bag, yoga mats, weights, and water bottles!
Another factor is that spending money on these items will make you more inclined to use them. Dressing the part will allow more room to feel confident in your skills and capabilities in the gym!
Switch it Up!
Working out shouldn’t just be for a utility, or it will ALWAYS feel like a chore. Make sure to incorporate variety and things that you enjoy.
For me, when I feel like I am in a rut, I will dance to my favorite songs for an hour and consider that my workout. However, movements don’t have to be black and white and are just as valid if they don’t fit the traditional “lifting weights and pumping iron.”
Prioritize your fun and make it an enjoyable experience for you. Reframing exercise as a hobby rather than a chore, you can completely rewire your brain to look forward to your time at the gym!
Exercise should always be an activity that improves your quality of life. When working out, make sure not to be motivated for the wrong reasons. Exercising because of lousy self-image and letting your self-hatred fuel you can be a reason why you burn out. Having exercise be a priority because you enjoy it, and it makes you feel good is a great way to stay motivated.
It can be hard to find time; however, changing your life can create time to be active. For example, walking to work or class can be a form of being busy that doesn’t require a set chunk of time in your schedule.
However you choose to stay motivated, ensure you are happy and healthy! Good luck!
