How to stay motivated to exercise?

Due to the mechanics of muscular development, often a training program incorporates lots of repetition within its workouts. This can become pretty boring after a while and may lead to your plan going off track.

Fighters, bodybuilders, powerlifters and many other explosive athletes all credit the power of motivation and outside inspiration for getting them out of bed each morning. Re-igniting that desire to succeed so they can spend yet another day challenging themselves in the gym. 

The following list includes some critical methods on how to stay motivated especially when all else has failed and progress has rapidly began to slow down.

  • Revisit your past.

If you think everything is against you, take a really good look at how you were when you started. For most, you will begin to see how much you have achieved already. Remember what you did to get where you are now, you might get cold chills down your spine just thinking of all the hard work you put yourself through, but seek motivation in the fact that the hard work you did then is DONE, and by simply continuing with that positive attitude you will continue to see even better results.

  • Stop wishing for a miracle.

Life’s not all strawberries and cream, your best mates name isn’t Peter Pan and there’s no chest of gold at the bottom of a rainbow!

We as natural athletes get our results from great planning, grit and determination. Miracles start occurring when you look back at the photos of you from 3 months ago, they don’t just happen overnight.

  • Use a heart rate monitor.

The speed at which your heart is working directly relates to how your muscle performs during training.

Imagine the benefits you can gain by knowing how fast your heart is beating. This can help determine your ideal intensity for each set and give you a more accurate indication for rest times required than by simply guessing.

Looking at your reflection when training will indeed tell you your muscles are ‘pumped’, but knowing how hard your muscles are actually working normally comes down to your experience and the discomfort levels the training creates.

Buying or borrowing a heart rate monitor takes away some of the guess work, they are really good value and can literally take your training to another level.

  • Constantly track your progress.

This is probably the most essential way to stay motivated. Just looking in the mirror won’t provide you with any real feedback about your training. It’s an image you see almost every day and your mind adjusts to that image constantly.

Tracking your progress means recording benchmarks on each exercise, tracking your body composition, taking photos and getting real feedback from others.

Actual measurements and photos never lie; they don’t take sides and don’t have an opinion. Just a 1cm increase in the size of your arm or 2 inches off your waist is something to be very proud of, something nobody can take away from you and something to even further improve on.

  • Share your new intentions.

I like most tend to keep the head down and get a job done with minimal interference. The difference between this and training with a ‘go away’ sign wrapped around your neck is that you are letting people who are directly related (gym buddies, family and friends) know that you have a goal and would like their cooperation in achieving it.

Discussing your new program with other people in the gym lets them know that you would like your own space while training and also some assistance if you require. You can learn a lot from talking to others, who knows, many of them might be in the same position, or could offer some feedback on injury prevention or post workout nutrition.

Sharing your intentions with people close to you turns your program into somewhat of an event. You now have more than just yourself to look over your shoulder when the times get tough and you also have the combined support of a whole group of people that want to see you succeed!

Quote for the week:

"I am better today than I was yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow"

Now I need to hear from you below!

1) What's your current level of motivation? (high, medium or low)
2) Tell me your best trick for staying motivated?

Thanks


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48 Comments

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Nick  - motivation   |2010-09-09 06:29:00
I always try to stay motivated...
What makes me stay motivated?Hmm...lets see..Well,when I look back in my past, I see a part of me that does not exist anymore..It stays burried inside the moments and the memories of my life through the years..And every day I am getting stronger and wiser than the other day..I am just getting excited of realising day by day how better I can be...And that is my way of thinking in the gym too...Because although I do not think I do bodybuildng, I try to follow every step of it..

Dude,thanks for all!!Your words and your thoughts,made me rethink my past achievements in the gym and made me think that I still can achieve my higher goals..
...strength n honor...
Luke  - Everyones a champion.   |2010-07-25 03:55:53
'Suffer now, and live the rest of your life a Champion!'

Run that through your mind as you complete thtat 'one last rep', nothing is impossible.
Ben   |2010-04-20 15:48:40
Motivation high after reading. Listen to "rocker" by micky factz it is the ultimate workout song, also "bodybuilding yesterday and now" on youtube!
Jeannette   |2010-04-06 11:50:27
My motivation is low & I don't know why. I guess I'm just tired of working out and not getting the rest that I want.
Jims  - Motivation   |2010-02-08 21:54:31
1) My motivation is high Thanks to the quote "I am better today than I was yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow"

2)I stay motivated because i know what im working for, and that one day im going to be thanking myself.
Gary S  - mr   |2010-01-14 16:10:07
''Hard To Gain - Easy To Lose''

Reminds me of what needs to be done if i feel i want to stop.
i think iv said that to myself EVERY session mind you.
But it puts enough fear in to keep me going.

Great site mate.
Hugo  - Oh hell yeah   |2010-01-08 12:41:53
I'm more than motivated !!!

I watch some videos od bodybuildrs ( you ) and during the work-out I always listen to music , that really push me on .
Anonymous   |2009-12-29 20:50:41
higher than anyone else here

you can always make time to workout, if you put anything else before youll never get the body you want and you dont have what it takes
John  - Motivation   |2009-12-20 13:25:57
My current level is high
I stay motivated by visioning myself with the body I've always wanted and being that hero to my kids that I always strive to be!
Milad   |2009-11-03 23:33:13
High.

I look really look forward to going to the gym and pushing myself.

One thing that keeps me motivated is the fact that ive spent alot on supplements :P cant let them go to waste! :)
Andrew   |2009-11-01 23:13:02
My level of motivation is high just time is limited.

And the only thing that's keeps me going is the feeling I get when I stop.. if i have to take a week off or to 2 I get depressed.
Nihar  - Motivation!   |2009-10-08 07:50:54

Hey Rubs,

My current level of motivation is SUPER HIGH

I sayed motivated coz I want to be the world's best bench presser in terms to technique. stamina and strengh.
julio   |2009-10-04 11:03:36
what your current level of motivatoin. medium


best trick for staing motivated, I have a lots os picture of bodybuilders and I want to look like that one day.
DanOleary  - My way to motivation   |2009-09-30 12:40:35
Hello, my way of motivation is to take my supplements everyday, which then leaves me thinking i have to work out or it will be a waste of supplements. And its good to always remember, if you work out not to expect anything too quick. I am 14 years old and i used to be mad over football and rugby until my injury in my right knee, i had to quit everything so i figured i might aswell make my body look good. I have took working out as a sport, and not just that it's a everyday thing for me. I understand that 14 years old is a young age to work out like i do and take supplements such as protein, creatine and tribulus but there is no stopping me now:D Thank you.
Tommo  - Motivation   |2009-09-24 13:30:19
Bloody low at the moment. Will be trying a few of the above methods to get back into it.
Vitor  - Motivation!   |2009-09-10 14:16:25
Im allways motivated!! i use that sentence "I am better today than I was yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow" everyday! U must see what people think of you. ask opinion to them about you... Even if they say things that arent true u become motivated! I allways motivate my friends and they get results, wich 50% of them were by motivation

Stay good

Greg  - Motivation   |2009-08-27 16:55:34
My motivation is very high because my bro beat me up all the time and now that im working out he cant. also because i want to bench 500 pounds
Hong  - Motivational Success   |2009-08-25 00:20:39
1) What's your current level of motivation? (high, medium or low)
My current level is High.

2) Tell me your best trick for staying motivated?
My best trick is reminding myself "I have a goal and that absolutely nothing is getting in the way of that"
Adam  - motivation !   |2009-08-21 12:51:30
I think that things like training for a sport can be good motivation. also seeing people who are ripped in the gym. Having a girlfreind helps aswell even if she dose say shes happy with my body it would be nice to go the full way.
Ryan  - Motivation   |2009-08-19 10:58:34
I think motivation is a personal thing,
what I use to stay motivated is music,Listening to fast (not death metal) paced songs before heading into the gym does it for me
Hasper  - motivation   |2009-08-18 08:46:03
motivation is medium
how i stay motivated is by knowing
where i want to be physially in my life since i have been in remission from stage 4 cancer. reading your blogs and info you post help keep me going. so thanks for the work you do.
Juan  - Extreme   |2009-08-17 16:13:49
Motivation : HIgh

I recently saw an old friend of mine whos similar body type as i am, and is ripped. Now I actually have some sort of visual of what i might look like in the near future
Thomas  - motivation   |2009-08-17 02:37:05
my motivation is medium, but its getting better, now that the summer is soon over.
I stay motivated by reading/watching succsess stories about "normal"people acheiving great results. and i try to live by the motto:Nothing comes for free. if you want something, you have to work for it
Tiago  - Questions that you gave me to let you know   |2009-08-14 13:48:23
Q) What is your biggest misunderstanding when it comes to training and changing your body?

A) Well i dont really know the mass of the weights i really need to take and i dont really know if my physical weight is averaged for the body trasforming.

Q) How would you describe your body right now?

A) Well im slim and havent been exercising, i mainly do Basketball and Soccer so it works me out with my biceps, triceps and abs.

Q) If you could wake up tomorrow looking a certain way, how would you look?

A) I would feel astonishing and really have to see that my body has been developing with the exercises you have been teaching me because i havent done much of a regular base exercise and i really need to build up my muscles.
I do have a question though, if i send you a picture of how i look can you honestly tell me if a need to eat to gain and build up my muscles and what must i eat to for my body to become really good and shaped perfectly, please.

Tiago de Sousa using your advice.
G [UK]   |2009-08-13 12:18:44
motivation high why because its summer
winter motivation high why because summers coming.lovin the emails keep em coming
Ross Coldwell  -  Motivation   |2009-08-13 09:08:51
my motivation is very high because i know what is achieveable and that anything i set myself to do i know i can acomplish it if i apply myself 100%
Mike  - Motivated   |2009-08-12 07:32:48
Rubes,

My motivation level is pretty high
the thing that keeps me that way and being persistant is that i know in my mind, when ever im not in the gym the enemy team is in there trying to become better then me!!
Jamie  - Motivation   |2009-08-12 02:20:45
Hi rubes
Motivation remains pretty high because i believe i can achieve my goal of getting in great shape and i know the hardest part is getting there in the first place,also knowledge is power i'm learning all the time about nutrition different techniques and how the body works i've already lost 10kg of body fat.
Catalin  - Motivation   |2009-08-11 17:10:41
My current motivation level is low because i come from a bad flu (11 days) and i feel very weak, I had a very bad week at work, i work in shifts. I'm not feeling ok. I hope that tomorow to have the strenght to do some exercices and in the next 8-9 day to get in shape. My motivation is this: What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!"
Nick  - motivation   |2009-08-11 15:14:15
Motivation is vey high.
Sport is not only a way to gain big muscles and be a professional athlete, but it also keeps u in a good form, with full of energy during the day, creates a positive mood and gives a chance to be motivated in all other fields of life when u see the result in the mirror.
Dave   |2009-08-11 13:21:54
1) Very high!!
2) I always keep in mind that the weight I use for an exercise is not important. Being patient and always trying to do the exercises very very very clean and slow is much more important. I see the results and then I'm proud of myself =)

Dave
HARDEEP Singh {HARDY}  - Motivation   |2009-08-11 05:31:37
First of all I dont know what my level of motivation is...but the thing that motivates me is a "Girl" ...yes..she is the one that motivates me...every time when I go to the gym I just try to remember her....whenever I fell tried I remember her in my dreams....oooo...she is so beautifull....and that's the only thing that motivates me...
Will  - MOTIVATION!   |2009-08-11 00:00:09
My motivation level is HIGH!!

how?

(1) Having a solid routine (3 days a week, mondays, wednesdays and fridays)

(2) knowing the high i get from being 'pumped' and working till i drop

(3) Having people look at me differently, instead of a "lanky" bloke, they're asking whether i work out?

(4) striving to be better then the people around me, comparing youself to others and looking back at them and remembering how you used to be

rubs ur a champ, keep it up mate
Eric  - Let's do this...NOT later today or tomorrow but N   |2009-08-10 17:13:43
My current level of motivation is HIGH!

My best tricks for staying motivated are:

(1) Replaying in my mind all those negative/downgrading/bad comments and memories I've received from people in the past (ie: saying I couldn't do something). I feed off their negativity and hate to promote positivity and good in my life.

(2) Looking back at myself when I first started. Looking at other people's transformations (Picturing myself looking similar someday)...And I'll be the first person to say it (hoping I don't offend anyone)...to look good for the ladies..hehe

(3) The need to de-stress and release my anger from work/everyday life.
Alex  - Motivation   |2009-08-10 16:59:26
My motivation is high my friend, and the reason why; i go by this quote a wise man once told me• When I get tired and want to stop id wonder what my next opponent was doing. Id wonder Hey Reuben
if he was still working out, id try to visualize him working, id start pushing myself. When I could see him quit, id push myself even harder.I dont want anyone to be able to out heart me and outclass me, therefore i train to compete I also train with people who have been in the game for longer than me and i push myself to beat them even though i shouldn't be able to, but often times i succeed.
Jon  - motivation   |2009-08-10 16:53:18
right now my motivation is a low medium man,it just takes some time for me to get up and go.

but yeah i guess my motivation is leaving my current thickness behind and looking forward to being more fit.
jonathan  - motivation   |2009-08-10 16:15:07
Right now my motivation level is pretty high. For starters since great trainers like you are helping that makes me stayed motivated to do what I have to do in the gym knowing that your knowledge is also now my knowledge. Another thing i do is go on youtube and look at natural bodybuilding videos, usually that kinda thing will help me to workout to look like some of then but at the same time in my own way.
Nic  - Motivation   |2009-08-10 15:07:13
I am usually highly motivated. THinking about the days of being really fat and everyday as a child being put down by the world. If it wasnt for my motivation I wouldnt beat those always put me down, I just wouldnt be able to rise above it.
Erick  - Motivation!!!   |2009-08-10 14:55:25
I just try to imagine the way i will look in 2 or 3 months with and without working out and how i looked 3 or 4 months ago. I also love the soreness and the pain the morning after working out.
I have found your page very inspiring and useful
Rick   |2009-08-10 14:06:07
Remebering how it sucks feeling soft and pudgy when going to the beach and looking at all the fit bodies.
Todd Ayers  - Motivation   |2009-08-10 13:46:10
My son is almost 12 months old and I stay motivated thinking about him and how i want to be able to play with him and watch him grow and see his Dad as his hero. I stay motivated because i am constantly seeing changes in my body and my behavior. I always "feel" better after a hardcore workout
Rich   |2009-08-10 12:59:50
Im at medium right now. I dont enjoy the idea of all the tough workouts ahead of me.....but i am motivated to continue.

I stay motivated by doing what other people say i can't.
Mike  - re: Motivation   |2009-08-10 12:31:50
Mike wrote:
My level of motivation is high

To keep motivated, i just think the more i put in, the more i'll get out
Also, thinking about peoples reactions when i show them how much bigger i got
Mike  - Motivation   |2009-08-10 12:30:31
My level of motivation is high

To keep motivated, i just think the more i put in, the more i'll get out
Also, thinking about peoples reactions when i show them how much bigger i got
Alan Gilmore  - How to stay motivated.   |2009-08-10 10:57:29
1) What's your current level of motivation? (high, medium or low)
At the minute it's medium, I need abit of a boost!

2) Tell me your best trick for staying motivated?
Abit of friendly competition between you and your gym buddies, feeding of eachother helps alot too. Also, this site!
Austin   |2009-08-10 09:56:51
Motivation - High

1. Trying new exercises, nothing gets more boring than the exact same workout every day.

2. Looking back a couple years just before i started working out.

3. One last thing is a friend of mine who is in great shape, just seeing him makes me want to keep working hard.
Darragh  - Motivation   |2009-08-10 07:13:13
my motivation is high, although because its summer, things are not as routine as during the school year.

what keeps me motivated is my passion, desire to train, to push myself further and harder than before and feel and look better for it.
That feeling your body gets when you've worked it so hard, passed the pain barrier.. its like a feeling of pain and discomfort yet you kinda get hooked on it.
Christopher  - Motivation   |2009-08-10 06:12:52
Current Motivation Level:
HIGH

Best Trick for Staying Motivated:
(1) Trainer who kicks your butt at every workout with new exercises.
(2) Workout journal with "before" pictures. Returning to that point is not an option.
(3) Getting to the gym! The best motivation is hearing about your progress from others who witness your progress.
Christopher  - Motivation Level   |2009-08-10 06:10:40
Current Motivation Level:
HIGH

Best Trick for Staying Motivated:
(1) Trainer who kicks your butt at every workout with new exercises.
(2) Workout journal with "before" pictures. Returning to that point is not an option.
(3) Getting to the gym! The best motivation is hearing about your progress from others who witness your progress.
Luther  - re: MOTIVATED   |2009-08-10 05:31:18
Luther wrote:
my motivation is high.it's been that way for 3 years now and im not going to stop.

My best trick for staying motivated is looking back at myself if i hadnt ever worked out and how lazy i'd be.
Luther  - MOTIVATED   |2009-08-10 05:23:22
my motivation is high.it's been that way for 3 years now and im not going to stop.

My best trick for staying motivated is looking back at myself if i hadnt ever worked out and how lazy i'd be.
Logan  - (De)Motivational Posters (Hehe)   |2009-08-10 04:56:40
Great article, I love the funny posters! (My favourite one is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/skyzyx/249270409/ )

It's true motivation is the key. I started keeping logs of exercises and progress with measurements and photos (which you discussed in another article).

I get motivated by looking at people around me who are further down the road and thinking I want to be like that!

I have a trainer who really pushes me too, so i try to achieve that level when i train alone.
kar  - motivation level!!??   |2009-08-10 04:51:38
my motivation level is high/ med..

best trick to stay motivated would b to set goals by the end of the week or a few days after my first workout for the week.. if i dont reach those goals then i work harder the next week!!
james   |2009-08-10 04:45:34
i don't think about being motivated, there is no other option because this is a life choice i have made. once u build muscle u don't want to let it waste away, not an option
michael  - Motivation!   |2009-08-10 04:30:48
Motivation- med/high
I'm always looking for new workouts. I watch youtube video's. I switch up my workout music. I workout in my basement so I try to keep it clean and organized so that it's more inviting.
Kristoffer  - Motivation   |2009-08-10 04:25:51
I get my motivation by looking on old photos of me. To see what i have achied. And getting resonse from gym buddies and famely.
Simon  - Motivation   |2009-08-10 03:59:52
1) What's your current level of motivation? (high, medium or low)
High
2) Tell me your best trick for staying motivated?
Working out with a friend. There are those days where you don't feel like going to the gym. But knowing that someone is expecting you to be there and workout is enough motivation for me not to miss a single training session.
simon  - motivation   |2009-08-10 01:40:27
my motivation levels are high!

what gets me really motivated is remembering things in my past, that drove me to get bigger in the first place and watching programs on body building and martial arts.
James  - Motivation   |2009-08-10 00:19:06
Motivation - High

What keeps me motivated are transformation vids. One day i want to have one of my own.
Arne  - ...   |2009-08-09 23:44:16
my current level of motivation is high!

to stay motivated i focus my goal, which is starting in powerlifting contests:)
and my friends...they motivate me if i cant do it on my own.
Kenson  - Singaporean Fittness Fan   |2009-08-09 23:22:38
1) What's your current level of motivation? (high, medium or low)
ANS: High.
2) Tell me your best trick for staying motivated?
ANS: Just remembering all my hardwork going down the drain if I stop working out & all the hard work I have to go through again from the start, keeps me motivated always.
Chris  - Motivated....   |2009-08-09 22:45:47
I get my motivation from watching youtube vids mainly.... i also get comments from friends and family saying i look bigger in muscle mass etc...that gets me motivated to keep on going! my motivationg level at the moment would be med/high it gets to really high when listening to pumped up music! thanks.
Raffy  - Motivation!   |2009-08-09 22:06:45
my current level of motivation is high!

to stay motivated,,, i watch bodybuilding documentaries and movies!

also i always check up on your website!
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