How to Go to the Gym Even When You Don't Feel Like It

Let's face it it's hard to go to the gym even when you don't feel like it.

Like... really don't want to go. You rather do absolutely anything but go to gym.

It happens to the all of us more frequently than you may think too.

How do you overcome this though?

Sometimes it's as simple as pushing through and going. 

However, you can also use techniques to easily give yourself the smallest boost of motivation to kick you into going.

Let's get into it by first understanding that motivation fluctuates. 

Understanding Fluctuating Motivation

It's a common experience for gym-goers: one day, you're full of energy, eager to hit the weights, and the next, the very thought of the gym feels daunting.

Thankfully, this fluctuation is normal and isn't something wrong with you.

Motivation to exercise isn't constant; it ebbs and flows due to various factors like mood, energy levels, and life's demands.

The key is not to get discouraged by these natural dips in enthusiasm.

When these fluctuations do occur though and you are not feeling it, how do you get some motivation to hit the gym?

Techniques to Boost Motivation

Listen to Your Favorite Music

This probably goes without saying, but music has the power to transform our mood and energy levels.

A playlist filled with your favorite high-energy tracks can be just the ticket to getting you in the right mindset for a workout.

The right beats can elevate get can you hyped. Maybe get you into a bit of a groove and even break out some moves which can overall help too! (Will get into this later)

Personally, I love music and it always gets me going especially on more down days.

Here is an article of some of my favorite tracks.

Take a Pre-Workout

Pre-workout supplements can give you that much-needed energy boost.

These supplements typically contain caffeine and other ingredients that increase energy levels, improve concentration, and enhance overall workout performance.

Another thing is that when you take the pre-workout, you got to go to the gym. Unless you like to sit around and being jittery, you are going to go to the gym because you took the pre-workout.

My go to pre-workouts are:

• Reign
• Jocko go
• Outwork Nutrition
• Legion's Pulse

Think of How Good You Will Feel Afterwards

Knowing that you finished the workout, especially on a day you didn't want to do it feels extra good.

Think of that feeling. It's without a doubt one of the best.

Do Some Quick Exercises

Sometimes, the best way to overcome a lack of motivation is to start moving.

Like mentioned before, sometimes you listen to music and you can start dancing, head banging or doing what ever you want to do that gets you moving.

That movement in general will get you a little pumped and motivated to get going to the gym.

If you are not the dancing type, doing some simple exercises like jumping jacks or push-ups can get your blood flowing and energy up.

These activities can be done at home and might just give you the push you need to head out to the gym.

The Role of Discipline in Overcoming Low Motivation

While motivation is a great starter, discipline is the main course.

Motivation will not always be there and like I mentioned earlier in the article, the times you don't want to go, you just have to go. Even if motivation is super low.

Building a habit and sticking to a routine, even when you don’t feel like it, is crucial.

Discipline is what keeps you going on those tough days when motivation is low.

You can read more about this here.

Partner Workouts for Accountability

If you find it challenging to stay motivated in general and consistently are missing workouts for this reason, consider finding someone to go to the gym with.

Having someone to go to the gym with can provide a sense of accountability.

It's harder to skip a workout when you know someone is counting on you to show up.

Make Friends at the Gym

I also find that having friends in the gym will always be a reason to go to the gym at a consistent time every day.

You get to see people you are cool with. These people may be motivating to you and help you keep going.

You Might be an Inspiration for Others

I'm sure you don't even know it but you might be motivation for people to come in to the gym.

On multiple occasions I've had people tell me I'm a motivation to them and it always struck me with surprise.

It also hyped me up hearing that too. 

This doesn't happen often, but know you might be the reason someone else gets motivated to go to the gym, so keep going.