We've all been there - those days when the thought of going to the gym seems less appealing than watching paint dry. However, embracing a positive mindset can be the game-changer you need to lace up your sneakers and get moving. Here are eight powerful affirmations to tell yourself when your motivation is waning.
Say each of these out loud before you decide not to go to the gym.
1. "I'll Feel More Energized After I Workout"
It’s easy to get lost in how tired, stressed, or busy you are right now, before the workout. Remember, exercise releases endorphins, your body's feel-good neurotransmitters. Despite the initial resistance, remind yourself that you will leave the gym ready to tackle the rest of your day with more energy and a clearer mind. You just need to get past this initial feeling.
2. "Every Workout Brings Me Closer to My Goals"
One of the reasons people stop going to the gym is because the gratification is so delayed. We put in so much work each day, but the results take time to show up. You need to remember: whether it's improving your health, losing weight, or building strength, every bit of effort counts. Close your eyes, visualize your goals, and remind yourself that each workout is a step closer to achieving them. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
3. "I’m Doing This for Me"
Your fitness journey is a personal one. Remind yourself that you're not working out for anyone else's approval but your own. This is your time to focus on your health, your strength, and your well-being. You show up for everyone else in life - your family, your friends, your job, etc. Now, you need to show up for yourself.
4. "I Always Overcome Challenges"
You’ve made it this far in life. You have overcome every challenge you’ve faced, and this is no different. Use that same resilience to propel you out the door and into the gym. The satisfaction of conquering your reluctance will be a reward in itself.
5. "I Deserve to Take Care of My Body"
Many people struggle with body image, and going to the gym can complicate your relationship with your body. Try to keep it simple, and focus on one thing: you have only one body, and it deserves to be treated with love and respect. No matter how you feel about your looks, your body takes care of you and keeps you alive. Exercise is good for the body; it’s a form of self-respect, and you deserve to prioritize your physical health.
6. "I Am Stronger Than My Excuses"
Your excuses may be 100% valid, and they may have a strong influence on your decision-making. But you need to remember that you are stronger, and that you have control over your life and destiny. Excuses are easy to find, but strength lies in overcoming them. Challenge yourself to rise above the reasons not to go, and focus on why you should. Your determination is stronger than any excuse.
7. "The Only Bad Workout Is the One That Didn’t Happen"
Even if you can’t give 100% effort in this workout, you should still go. A workout of 70% or 50% or even 20% is better than not working out at all. You will still have taken a step forward. There's truth in the saying, "you never regret a workout." Even on days when it feels like you're just going through the motions, remember that some movement is better than none. Giving what you can on any given day is enough.
8. "I Will Be Proud of Myself Once I’m Done"
Think of the satisfaction you feel after a workout. Anticipate the sense of personal accomplishment waiting for you at the end of your workout. The pride you get from going to the gym is not just for your physical achievements but also for your mental strength in pushing through despite wanting to quit. The confidence alone is worth it.
Conclusion
On those days when the couch's call is louder than the gym's, these affirmations can serve as your personal pep talk. The hardest step is often just the first one out the door. By maintaining a positive perspective on working out, you'll not only build physical strength but mental resilience as well. Remember, fitness journeys have their ups and downs, but with each step, you're creating a healthier, happier you.