16 Clever Ways to Boost Workout Motivation, According to Trainers

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1) Find something you enjoy

If you find an activity you enjoy doing, you'll start to look forward to your workouts more, explains Pilates instructor Katelyn Hissong. “That could be a walk in the park, a hot yoga class, or a sport like tennis. When you find and do what you love, you’ll naturally keep gravitating back towards it,” she says.

Fitness instructor Makena Rae Diehl agrees. “Discovering a workout routine that brings you joy is key to maintaining consistency and staying committed to your fitness journey, especially on those days when the motivation is low,” she shares.

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2) Reward yourself

Sometimes all you need is a little incentive. Fitness trainer Stephanie Butterfield suggests treating yourself when you reach certain milestones or you stick to your workout routine.

“These rewards don’t have to be extravagant. They can be as simple as a relaxing bath, a favourite healthy treat, or even a guilt-free Netflix binge.

Connecting positive experiences with your fitness journey reinforces the idea that exercise is a rewarding and enjoyable part of your lifestyle,” Butterfield adds.

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3) Make it social

“Meet up with a friend at your workout class, or add in additional cardio with a walk or hike to really chat and catch up,” suggests trainer and Pilates instructor Dylan Davies.

“Creating a social schedule around your workouts versus food and alcohol is a fantastic healthy alternative.”

Having some banter and company as you get through a tough workout makes the whole thing so much more fun.

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4) Invest in yourself and classes

If you pay for a class or even a session with a trainer, you’re going to want to show up.

“When you’re spending your own money, it’s that much harder to avoid working out,” says trainer AJ Mason. 

“Invest in tried-and-true classes like spinning, yoga, boot camp, or barre, where you can get the most bang for your buck. Trust me, there’s no better workout motivation than knowing you’ve got an entire class and dedicated trainers expecting you there!”

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5) Grab a workout buddy

Finding a workout buddy can make all of the difference when it comes to motivation.

“Having someone there with you not only keeps you accountable, but it’s more fun, too. Plus, studies have shown that working out with someone who motivates you can increase your performance by up to 200%,” says Mason.

“Try creating goals with friends that you can work on reaching together and make a scheduled weekly gym date so you both stay on track.”

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6) Switch up your workout routine

“Repetitive workouts can quickly become monotonous, leading to a loss of motivation,” notes Butterfield. To keep things fresh and exciting, she suggests incorporating variety into your routine.

“Try new classes, explore different forms of exercise, or even take your workout outdoors. Keeping your body guessing not only yields better results but also keeps you mentally engaged and eager to see what’s next.”

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7) Start small

Baby steps are key. If exercise is new to you, personal trainer Maeve McEwen recommends committing to just ten minutes of working out a day, a few times a week. This way, you’re not overwhelmed.

“This may mean running on a treadmill, lifting weights, or just standing up and doing a few stretches,” she says. “Simply moving your body boosts endorphins, [increases] blood flow, and can improve mood.”

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8) Redefine what “exercise” means to you

“Find ways outside of going to the gym or following a workout program to move your body,” says McEwen.

Incorporating more activity into your everyday routine with some creativity will leave you feeling great.

“Try walking instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or encouraging others to walk with you on a work break.”

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9) Put it on the calendar

To enhance consistency, Diehl advises treating your workouts as non-negotiable appointments in your daily schedule, akin to a work meeting.

“Over time, this mindset shift transforms the question from whether you’ll exercise today to when you’ll prioritise your physical well-being. Making these adjustments transforms exercise from a task to an integral part of your routine, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle,” Diehl notes.

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10) Create a dynamic workout playlist

Everything’s better with a little music, and according to Butterfield, playing some tunes has an incredible impact on our mood and motivation.

“Craft a playlist that resonates with your energy and the type of workout you’re planning. Upbeat tunes with a rhythm that matches your pace can turn a mundane session into an exhilarating experience.”

She encourages people to explore different genres and build playlists that speak to their personal preferences.

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11) Prepare for success

Planning ahead will make working out so much easier, according to exercise physiologist and personal trainer Xavier Munden.

“What are you going to listen to? Do you have your earbuds? Do you have something to drink?”

Being overly prepared—even picking out your clothes in advance—can be the extra motivation that gets you out that door.

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12) Dress for success

If a cute new workout outfit or brand new pair of running shoes motivates you, go for it!

“How many times have you had a first date or a job interview and you wanted to put your best foot forward?” asks Munden. “Look at your gym appointment as the best first date you should keep with yourself, for yourself.”

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13) Tap in

“Get up out of bed or push away from your desk. Walk or drive to your fitness centre, walk in, touch a machine, and leave,” says Munden. It may sound silly, but this simple first step can help motivate you to work out, especially if the task of going to the gym feels insurmountable.

“It’s about creating a habit, a lifestyle change. Your workout journey is about self care and keeping a promise to you, for you. We want to develop positive habits, and getting there is half the journey,” he notes.

“Who knows, while you’re there, you may even work out a little bit.”

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14) Pair exercise with something fun

Personal trainer Vincent Celeiro suggests planning a fun activity before or after your sweat session.

“Something that sparks your joy so that you can look forward to it! Go out to lunch, treat yourself to some retail therapy, or culture yourself and go see a [theatre] show!”

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15) Track your progress

“Wearable fitness trackers are a fantastic way to track your workouts,” says personal trainer De La Haymon Holly. “Some have features that allow you to receive notifications whenever you or your friend completes a workout. They also allow you to set up friendly competitions with each other to make it more fun.”

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16) Set a specific timed goal

Personal trainer Oliver Nam suggests being super specific with your goals. “Use SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely goals,” Nam explains.

“If you can become as detailed as possible, with a deadline, you have something to shoot for rather than an ambiguous thing.”

This could mean signing up for your first 5K or half marathon, which will give you a great crash course in sticking to a workout routine as you prepare.