How to get in the mood to workout
If you are like me, you know you need get in the mood to workout to get the benefits of exercise. However, you sometimes (or all the time) struggle with just how to get the motivation to workout.
Maybe you are too tired at the end of the day. Or you aren’t sure how you can fit it in your already busy schedule. I understand completely as a busy Mom myself.
So, how do you get from here to there? Read on for some inspiration to get moving!
Understanding the Connection between Exercise and Mental Wellness
Studies have consistently revealed a link between physical activity and enhanced mental wellness. Regular exercise was found to boost mood and cognitive functions. It elevated positivity, sharpening focus and enriching overall emotional state. (National Institutes Of Health article “Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review” January 15, 2023)
For individuals grappling with anxiety or depression, incorporating fitness into your daily regimen offers a formidable ally. Exercise can be a tool to help with the symptoms associated with these conditions. By promoting endorphin release and improving our self-esteem, it can also lay down a foundation for better mental health in the long run.
Key Takeaways:
- Exercise strengthens our mental wellness by uplifting our mood
- It can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Incorporating regular physical activity can help us maintain a balanced mood and promote overall health
The Science of Exercise and Mood
Engaging in physical activities triggers the release of endorphins, also known as the body’s feel-good hormones. This release is crucial in elevating moods and creating a sense of euphoria, often termed the ‘runner’s high.’
Furthermore, consistent exercise has been shown to stimulate other significant parts of the nervous system. This stimulation impacts our stress levels, reducing them and enhancing our overall mood.
I have certainly experienced this myself. If I’m having a bad day, it is amazing how a 20 minute walk can change my mood for the better. It is pretty fascinating to think how this simple act of moving can lead to such a difference.
Setting Your Fitness Goals
Every month I set goals for myself related to exercise for my physical health. I’m not very good at always completely those goals though.
What gets in the way? I know in my head that it is worth my time to get up and do something.
And I know I’ll feel better after. So, why don’t I do it? It is usually time and motivation.
I need to turn working out into something more than a to-do list item. It needs to become a ladder toward my overall health goals.
That way, every walk, yoga session, or bike ride can have an effect not just on my physical health but on my mood too. When I can mark ‘walking for 30 minutes’ off my list, I feel powerful that I am doing something good for myself.
This small thing sparks a positive change within me. By setting and reaching fitness goals, I can boost my mood and fitness level at the same time.
The burst of happy-making chemicals after a good workout makes me want to chase that feel-better effect even more. And every step I take is one step closer to a better mood and overall health.
Pre-Workout Rituals to Get in the Mood to Workout
I am of the belief that whatever I can do to make something hard easier for me is a good idea. One thing that helps me to get motivated to work out is to put on my favorite gym clothes.
The right workout clothes can make me feel, like I’m putting on my Wonder Woman outfit, ready for action. I’m not alone in this either. Shape Magazine had an article on How Trendy Workout Clothes May Affect Your Workout.
The comfort factor of my clothes is also a big thing for me. I don’t want something that is too tight or too loose, but like Goldilocks I want my clothes to be just right.
I want comfy tennis shoes too and socks that don’t slip on my feet. It is the little things that make a big difference on how long or short my workout ends up being.
Upbeat music can make or break my desire to workout too. The right music will get me motivated before I even begin to workout, transforming my bad mood into a better one. Seems I’m not the only one who feels this way, either. National Institutes of Health “Regular physical activity has multifarious benefits for physical and mental health, and music has been found to exert positive effects on physical activity.”
So, if I wear the right clothes and listen to some upbeat music as part of my pre-workout rituals, my fitness routine can get off to a good start. This can help me to achieve my fitness goals so it is a win-win.
Choosing the Right Types of Exercise
The best way for me to get motivated is to pick something that fits my mood when it is time to exercise. Some days I might feel ambitious and want to try something new exercise-wise. Other days, I just want to not think about it and the quickest way to get my exercise in is to go for a quick walk.
Having a bunch of diverse exercise types helps to ensure my fitness routine doesn’t get old. I can go back and forth between brisk walking or using a program online for yoga. I also have collected other exercises over the years and just choose them based on what energizes me and lifts my mood.
Initially, I hesitated to mix different types of workouts, fearing I’d lose focus on my fitness goals. However, for me at least, having a variety of things to do helps me to not get bored. I’ve learned that integrating aerobic activity like bike rides with low-intensity exercise like yoga can have positive effects on my overall health.
I can look forward to each session with positive energy because I know I can let go of bad moods. The burst of happy-making chemicals after a good workout helps to push bad experiences and negative emotions into the background.
Incorporating Exercise into Your Daily Routine
Making time for physical activity can seem daunting at first. Yet, I’ve found integrating small breaks can help to reach my fitness goals.
One easy way is to take a brisk walk during my lunch breaks. Every little exercise counts towards better health and things like choosing the stairs over an elevator can help too.
If you struggle with finding time to exercise, try first to see if you can regularly weave some activities into your daily routine.
The Role of Social Support in Exercise
Like I said, it can be challenging to maintain a regular exercise regimen. If you can couple exercise with something fun like working out with a friend, it can make it easier to keep it up.
Working out with a friend can act as a dual force. They can help to reinforce your commitment to your fitness goals and also make it more fun. You don’t want to let your friends down, so even on days when you don’t feel like it you will be more apt to still do it.
And social support in the form of a yoga class, for example, can make you feel like part of a community. You get to know your other classmates and that can be one more reason to attend.
You can all amplify the good moods for each other. This kind of experience helps to underscore the important role of companionship in converting fitness routine aspirations into a sustained daily choice.
Tailoring Your Workout Plan Over Time
I discovered the hard way that sticking to the same fitness routine could lead to a plateau, not just in terms of physical benefits but also in my motivation levels.
Let’s not forget, our bodies and minds thrive on variety. To keep the positive energy from my workouts flowing, I had to learn the art of tailoring my exercise program over time.
At first, my fitness goals were simple: improve my cardiovascular health and maybe lose a bit of weight. However, as I dove deeper into my fitness journey, the allure of achieving more specific targets, like mastering a tricky yoga pose, grew.
There were days when my energy levels were low, possibly from a bad mood or just feeling under the weather. By listening to my body, I could scale back on my plans and opt for a long walk or a leisurely bike ride instead. Surprisingly, I found even low-intensity exercise had a profound effect on lifting my spirits and getting me back into a good mood, proving that any form of exercise was beneficial.
So, in a pinch, your options are to find something that works with your day and adapt. You can also just tell yourself that workouts are a non-negotiable area for yourself – it all depends on what works best for you.
For me, keeping these daily choices flexible helps me to stick with a workout plan over time. I also tell myself that if I miss a day, I just begin again. I try not to quit entirely just because I have missed a day.
Have Fun with Exercise Bingo!
A Leap Towards a Lifelong Habit
We’ve journeyed through the vast landscape of getting in the mood for regular exercise, uncovering the profound effects it has not just on our physical health but our mental wellbeing too.
I’ve shared how the right pre-workout rituals, like your favorite music or gym clothes that make you feel ready to conquer, can set the stage for a good workout that lifts your mood and boosts your energy levels.
The importance of tailoring your fitness routine to include a variety of exercises is also important. And any activity should help your overall health in the long run.
If you can set achievable fitness goals and make exercise a regular item on your to-do list you can increase your odds of success. It’s all about creating a regular regimen that fits with your daily routine, turning the anticipation of next time into a burst of positive energy.
So, let this be a leap towards adopting exercise not just as a sporadic activity but as a lifelong habit. Embrace the mood-boosting effects of regular exercise to enjoy better mental health and a higher quality of life.
Remember, in terms of physical and psychological benefits, it’s never too late to start. Dare to move from zero to hero in your fitness journey and discover the best version of yourself along the way.
Cheers to you!
Related Articles to Help You Get in the Mood to Workout:
30-Day Ab Challenge: Printable Calendar and Core Strengthening Plan
Easy Ways to Use a Free Printable Fitness Tracker
A Self-Care Planner to Save You Time
Loveselfcare Smart Steps – Exercise Bingo:
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