Now, I could start this off by saying that these tricks are fool-proof and are going to work amazingly for everyone. And if you apply them, they will. But, the key word there is APPLY. When it comes to anything in life, you must apply yourself. You can read as many motivational articles as you want, you can watch YouTube vloggers talk about how to get motivated, but unless you actually apply these methods, tips and tricks; you’re still going to be stuck sitting on the couch thinking you should be at the gym instead of actually there. Here are a few tips and tricks I have learned along my fitness journey that will work for beginners to those who have been in the fitness industry for years. When it comes to motivation, everyone needs it.

1. Get rid of the negative vibes

Cut out the “ugh I have to go workout today” and “I don't want to get ready for the gym.” Once you start saying those things to yourself, you give negative energy towards the gym and working out. Instead, replace those sentences with “When should I go workout today?” and “What am I going to wear to the gym today?” When you do that, you’re one step closer to going to the gym and giving it positive thoughts will work to continuously motivate you.

2. Have a reason why

What is your why? Do you go to the gym for you? You should. It should all be for you. Even if it to lose weight to make your ex-jealous. Maybe you gained that freshman 15 that so stubbornly won't go away, or simply because you want a rocking body. No matter the reason, your goal should also be to feel good. Think about the end of a workout, when you’re a hot sweaty mess but those endorphins hit you and you feel like you can conquer anything. Keep a reminder of what that feels like. Because in the end, no matter your motivation, it is all positively impacting you and your health.

3. Create a plan

This has been HUGE for me and many other people I know as well. When you have a set workout routine or schedule it will motivate you to get up and go. Whether you workout three times a week or six times. Write it down on your phone, your planner, take a random piece of paper and stick it up in your room. For Example, Monday is leg day, Tuesday is back day, Wednesday is cardio, Thursday is a rest day. And so forth. If you take classes at the gym, make sure to write those down. When you do this you will be subconsciously reminding yourself of what your goal for the day is, you will want to check that off of your to-do-list.

4. Don't beat yourself up

We are all human. Some days we truly do not have time to go to the gym. That is OKAY. Rest days are okay, self-improvement is OKAY. Don’t beat yourself up when you consistently go to the gym and you decide you need an off day. If you think you need it, if your body is telling you-you need it, then give yourself another rest day. I promise it won’t hurt you. If you are harsh on yourself in an unhealthy way it'll be hard to achieve your goals because you will end up burning yourself out. But, you also should find a balance between knowing when you need to rest for physical and mental health vs. wanting to just not go to the gym. Constantly letting yourself not go to the gym will also push you back farther from your goals. You'll always regret the workout you didn't do!

5. Make it fun

Working out and going to the gym may get boring at times. So, switch it up and get a friend to go workout with you! Motivating others and surrounding yourself with people who have similar goals or just want to become a better version of themselves will ultimately help you as well. Try to find fitness role models via social media. There are SO many people out there promoting healthy lifestyles! If you find a couple people you like follow them. Especially if they post workouts. Then you can switch up your routine and give their workout a try.

There are millions of other ways you can motivate yourself to hit the gym, but these are my top five thaht have worked for me. I hope you take my advice and apply it to your lifestyle because change will come. Happy sweating!