How to Keep Yourself Motivated to Workout
How to keep yourself motivated to workout by using small goals, fun hacks, and real-life habits that actually make fitness feel good and doable.
If you’ve ever said, “I should work out today…” but then didn’t, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Honestly? Staying motivated to work out isn’t always easy. Some days you’re all in, full of energy, playlist locked and loaded. Other days? Even getting off the couch feels like a win.
So let’s talk about how to keep yourself motivated to workout when life gets messy, time gets short, and your brain wants snacks and TV instead. I’ve been through the highs and lows, and I’ve found some real stuff that works—not magic tricks, just simple tools and mindset shifts that make showing up a whole lot easier.
1. Start Small (Like, Really Small)
Here’s the thing: motivation doesn’t usually show up before you move. It shows up after. One of the best tricks I’ve ever learned? Set the tiniest, most laughably easy goal.
Put on your workout clothes.
Walk around the block.
Do 5 squats in your living room.
That’s it. That’s your win.
The magic is, once you start, it’s way easier to keep going. And if you don’t keep going? You still showed up. That counts. You kept the habit alive. You told your brain: “I’m the kind of person who works out.”
2. Make It Fun or Don’t Do It
This might sound wild, but if you hate your workout, stop doing it. You don’t need to suffer through bootcamp if your heart belongs to dance or swimming or nature hikes. You’re allowed to like it. In fact, you should.
I used to force myself through gym workouts I hated, thinking that was “real” fitness. I’d drag my feet the whole time. Then I tried boxing. Boom. Game changer. I laughed, I sweated, I felt like a badass. I wanted to come back.
The best workout is the one you enjoy enough to repeat. That’s the secret. Want to stay motivated? Make it feel like play.
3. Set Vibes, Not Just Goals
Okay yes, goals matter. But what really keeps you moving long-term is the feeling behind the goal. Instead of just saying “I want to lose 10 pounds” or “I want abs,” ask yourself: how do I want to feel?
Strong? Alive? Proud? Energized before work instead of foggy and grumpy?
Write those feelings down. Put them on a sticky note. Read them before your workout. Your brain connects to why you’re doing this—and that “why” will pull you forward on the days you’d rather quit.
4. Build a “Bare Minimum” Routine
Life gets busy. You won’t always have time for an hour at the gym. So don’t make that the only option. Instead, create your “bare minimum” workout.
Mine is 10 minutes of movement—whatever I can squeeze in. Some days that’s a fast walk. Other days it’s stretching while I rewatch old sitcoms. Is it a full workout? Nope. But it’s something, and something keeps the streak alive.
This helps you stop thinking in black-and-white (“I don’t have time for a full workout, so I’ll do nothing”) and shift into flexible thinking. That’s where the real wins happen.
5. Track the Wins (Not Just the Numbers)
If you’re only tracking weight or reps or miles, you’re missing out on the fun stuff.
Did you sleep better after a workout?
Did you smile more today?
Did you hold a plank one second longer than last week?
Celebrate that!
I keep a “win log” on my phone. Not just workouts, but little things like “felt strong in my legs” or “didn’t quit halfway.” Motivation grows when you see progress in more than just numbers. And yeah, give yourself gold stars if that helps. No shame.
6. Don’t Go It Alone
This one’s big. Community is fuel. Even if you’re a solo workout type, finding some kind of social accountability—whether it’s a workout buddy, an online group, or just texting a friend “I moved today”—keeps you going.
Join a challenge. Share a sweaty selfie. Tell your roommate your plan. When you say it out loud, it gets real. When someone cheers you on, it sticks.
Plus, celebrating wins with people? Way more fun. 🎉
7. Forgive Skipped Days Fast
You will miss days. Life happens. Please don’t beat yourself up or go into “I ruined it” mode. That spiral? It’s the real motivation killer.
One missed workout doesn’t break a habit. What breaks it is shame. Instead, tell yourself, “I missed a day. That’s okay. I can start again right now.” That self-kindness is powerful.
Motivation isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning how to keep showing up, even when it’s messy.
Summary: Real Ways to How to keep yourself motivated to workout
Here’s a quick hit list you can screenshot or jot down on how to keep yourself motivated to workout . These are the things that help me—and maybe they’ll help you too.
- Start small — like ridiculously small.
- Pick workouts you actually like (yes, that matters).
- Focus on how you want to feel, not just look.
- Create a 5–10 minute “bare minimum” option.
- Track tiny wins — strength, energy, mood, even just showing up.
- Loop someone in — share goals, wins, or struggles.
- Drop the guilt when you miss a day. Just start again.
You don’t need perfect motivation. You just need a few little nudges and habits that make it easier to say yes to movement.
You’re strong. You’re trying. And that already puts you ahead of the old version of you who didn’t even start.
So go on—move a little today. Just for you. 💪
Need ideas for fun, easy workouts? Want help building your “bare minimum” plan? Just ask—I got you. What kind of movement do you like doing?