Get Motivated: Weird Ways to Trick Your Brain into Being Motivated to Workout

Are you struggling to find motivation to exercise? Do you constantly make excuses to avoid working out? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with finding the drive to stay active and healthy. But fear not, because we have some weird and unconventional ways to get motivation to workout. From avoiding the news to creating a mystery box of rewards, these tips will surely trick you into getting off the couch and breaking a sweat. So, read on to discover how to get motivation to workout and finally achieve your fitness goals!

Avoid the News, It’s Negative

Constant exposure to news, particularly the negative aspects, can really put a damper on your motivation to workout. The daily news cycle seems to thrive on bad news, creating an atmosphere of gloom that doesn’t exactly scream “Let’s hit the gym!” Instead of starting your day with the latest tragedies, consider feeding your mind with positive content. Positive affirmations can boost your mood and confidence, making you more likely to want to take care of your physical health.

Consider swapping out the morning news for an uplifting podcast or playlist. Music, in particular, has the power to energize us and alter our mood. By creating a morning routine filled with positive stimuli, you are more likely to feel inspired to engage in physical activity.

The key here is to set the tone for your day, right from the start. By focusing on positive and inspiring content, you’re setting the stage for a day filled with productivity and movement. Over time, you’ll find this positivity seeping into other areas of your life, including your workouts.

While it’s important to stay informed, finding a balance is key. Consider limiting your news consumption to certain times of the day and avoid it altogether before workouts. This way, you’re not carrying the weight of the world’s problems into your exercise routine.

Remember, workouts should be seen as a break from our regular routines and stresses. Make this time about you and your wellness. By starting your day on a positive note, you’re giving your mind and body the best chance at a productive, enjoyable workout.

Create a Mystery Box of Goods as a Reward for Completing Workouts

The thrill of uncertainty can be a powerful motivator, especially when it comes to exercising. To tap into this, why not introduce a “Mystery Box” into your workout routine? This box will contain various rewards that you can only open and enjoy once you’ve completed your workouts.

Start by finding a box that you find aesthetically pleasing; it could be a shoebox that you’ve decorated or a fancy container you picked up from a local store. Then, fill it with items that you love, but don’t indulge in often enough. This could include anything from your favorite type of gourmet chocolate, a new book from an author you love, or perhaps a deluxe face mask for that post-workout relaxation.

The key here is to select items that excite you and that you’d genuinely look forward to. Your mystery box shouldn’t feel like another chore, but rather a treasure trove of delights that encourage you to push through your workouts.

To maintain the surprise element, consider getting a friend or family member to add items to the box. This way, you’ll never know exactly what’s waiting for you at the end of your sweat session. If you live alone, you could buy a variety of items, wrap them individually, and toss them into the box without keeping track of what is what.

This Mystery Box approach infuses an element of fun into your fitness routine and provides a tangible reward for your hard work. You’ll find yourself powering through your workouts with an added dose of motivation, driven by the curiosity of what reward awaits you.

Remember, fitness shouldn’t feel like punishment; it should be an activity that you enjoy and look forward to. With your Mystery Box in place, each workout session brings you one step closer to a well-earned reward, making the journey to fitness more enjoyable and the destination that much sweeter.

Just remember to keep the rewards in line with your fitness goals. If you’re working towards weight loss, for instance, try to ensure that the rewards are healthy and supportive of your journey, rather than counterproductive. The aim is to create a fun, motivating system that supports your wellbeing – and your Mystery Box can play a big part in achieving that.

Only allow yourself to Watch Your Favorite Show While Exercising

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a seemingly never-ending cycle of binge-watching your favorite show? Here’s a novel idea: turn that screen time into sweat time! Allow yourself to indulge in your favorite TV series or film only when you’re working out. This simple switch will not only provide some motivation to hit the gym or unroll your yoga mat, but it will also give you something to look forward to during your workout sessions. Imagine lacing up your sneakers with the anticipation of discovering the next twist in the plot of your favorite drama or laughing through your cardio routine with a comedy.

The beauty of this trick lies in its simplicity. You’re not depriving yourself of your beloved entertainment; rather, you’re merely shifting when and where you enjoy it. There’s no rule book that says workouts must be done in silence or only accompanied by high-tempo workout mixes. If watching an episode of your favorite sitcom helps you to keep going on the treadmill, then by all means, let the laughs roll.

And don’t limit yourself to just TV shows. Movies, documentaries, YouTube series — whatever you enjoy watching can be part of this strategy.

But remember, the trick here is to make your viewing time conditional. In other words, no working out, no watching. You need to create a clear link between your screen time and your sweat time. This way, your favorite show becomes your workout partner, motivating you to show up and stay active. You might even find yourself extending your workouts just to squeeze in one more episode.

Of course, this method requires a level of self-discipline. The couch can be very tempting, especially when your favorite characters are calling your name. But remember, the payoff is twofold — not only do you get to enjoy your favorite shows, but you’re also doing something incredible for your health.

So, why not give it a shot? The next time you’re dreading your workout, fire up your favorite show, get moving, and watch how quickly time flies when you’re having fun. Whether you’re cycling, jogging, doing some yoga, or lifting weights, your beloved characters will be right there with you, turning your workout time into a more enjoyable part of your day.

Buy Workout Gear to Guilt Yourself into Using It

Splurging a little on some new workout gear can be an exciting way to enhance your fitness motivation. Who doesn’t feel an adrenaline rush when they lace up new running shoes for the first time or get to break in that brand-new yoga mat? However, there’s another side to this strategy, one that plays into our emotions – the guilt factor.

You may have heard the saying “put your money where your mouth is”. Well, that applies to fitness too. When you invest your hard-earned cash into shiny, new workout gear, you’re creating a financial commitment. Whether it’s the latest pair of designer yoga pants, a high-tech fitness tracker, a sleek pair of running shoes, or a set of weightlifting equipment, these purchases serve as physical reminders of the promise you’ve made to yourself to stay active and fit.

This is where the guilt part comes in. Every time you glance at the unopened yoga mat or the untouched jump rope, you’re reminded of your unused investment, and it can feel like your fitness equipment is silently judging you. This can create a gentle nudge (or an outright push, depending on how much you’ve spent) to stop procrastinating and start sweating.

Now, it’s important to note that guilt, in this case, isn’t meant to make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, it serves as an accountability check. It’s a small psychological trick that can spur you to action, helping you overcome that initial hurdle of inertia.

Take this strategy up a notch by buying workout gear that you genuinely love and would be excited to use. Perhaps it’s a yoga mat in your favorite color or a stylish gym bag that makes you feel like a true fitness enthusiast. The idea is to create a positive association with your workout equipment. This way, not only does the guilt factor kick in, but there’s also the appeal of using gear that you find aesthetically pleasing.

So, the next time you’re having a hard time getting off the couch and into the gym, maybe a little retail therapy is just what you need. Investing in workout gear is not just about the money spent, but also the commitment made. It’s a promise to yourself to prioritize your health and wellness, and that’s worth every penny.

In essence, buying workout gear to guilt yourself into using it is not about instilling negative emotions, but rather about harnessing the power of accountability. It’s about setting yourself up for success, using every tool available to maintain your motivation and drive. So go ahead and treat yourself to some new workout gear, and let it inspire you to hit those fitness goals with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Incorporate Cleaning Your House into Your Workout

Chores — a necessary yet often dreaded part of life. What if we told you that these tasks could double as a fun and effective workout? Yes, you read that right! Cleaning your house can actually help you burn calories and build muscle. Forget the treadmill or the weight rack; your cleaning supplies could be your new fitness equipment.

The key is to approach cleaning with the mindset of a workout. You need to be active, enthusiastic, and willing to put in some effort. Start by creating a lively atmosphere — turn up your favorite tunes, wear your comfortable workout clothes, and get ready to break a sweat.

Let’s break down some common household chores and see how they can be turned into a workout. Take vacuuming, for instance. Instead of just pushing and pulling your vacuum cleaner, try incorporating lunges or squats into each movement. This simple modification turns a mundane task into a mini lower-body workout.

Scrubbing your kitchen counter or bathroom tiles can be a killer arm workout. Just make sure to switch arms halfway through to ensure an even workout on both sides. Trust us, you’ll feel the burn!

Even laundry can become an exercise opportunity. Lifting and carrying heavy baskets can work your arms and core, similar to lifting weights at the gym. Additionally, hanging clothes to dry can be a good stretch exercise, especially if you reach higher than usual.

Gardening, though not technically a cleaning task, can also be a great way to exercise. Bending, digging, and planting can work your muscles, and the fresh air and sunlight are great for your overall well-being.

Remember, intensity is key. The harder and faster you work, the more calories you’ll burn. So challenge yourself to clean more vigorously, and you’ll get the dual benefits of a sparkling house and a good workout.

Cleaning your house might not replace a gym workout, but it can certainly supplement it. On those days when you just can’t make it to the gym, don’t fret! Grab your cleaning supplies and get moving. You’ll be surprised at how much you can work up a sweat.

The beauty of this approach is that it’s a win-win situation. You’re not only improving your physical fitness but also creating a cleaner, more organized living space. Plus, it’s a great way to break away from the traditional concept of working out, making exercise more accessible and less daunting.

So, next time you see a messy room or a dirty counter, don’t groan. Instead, put on your workout gear, blast your favorite music, and get ready to sweat. Your home workout has just begun!