We like to think that sheer determination will power us through tough times, but when it comes to getting out of a warm bed in the early mornings of winter or squeezing in a workout when you are overwhelmed with life’s demands, it’s easy to shrug off our long-term dreams and give in to our short-term demands of comfort. Instead of only relying on willpower to get you to your goal, set yourself up for success with these tips.

Know Yourself

Do you prefer to exercise by yourself, with a group, or with only one or two other people? Knowing how you exercise best is key to proper motivation. If you don’t like exercising with strangers around you, then you shouldn’t sign up for a group class. That might sound obvious, but many of us talk ourselves into an exercise routine because we believe it is more convenient or less expensive and then wonder why we can’t get ourselves to go. Choose your exercise type based on what will get you there, not how cheap the gym is or what type of workout is trendy.

Focus on the Finish

Many gymgoers struggle to get to the gym because they “don’t feel like going.” Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, anticipate how you will feel after your workout. Few people are sorry they exercised. Let those post-workout feelings help motivate you to get to the gym. Focusing on how you feel after a good workout will help you get to the gym without feelings of dread. Future thinking keeps results in mind and distracts us from present discomfort.

Set Goals

Setting milestones along the way to a larger goal is a terrific way to set yourself up for success. Milestones give us a visual way to see the results of hard work faster. Celebrating a milestone doesn’t have to be big. It can be a celebration of weeks or months of sticking to your routine, hitting a short-term weightlifting goal, or running a 5K. Whatever goal you set, be sure to have a mini celebration to recognize your hard work. Rewards are a wonderful way of acknowledging milestones. Tailor rewards to what helps you keep returning to the gym. They could be concert tickets, a sporting event, new shoes, or even a favorite dessert.

Find a Trainer

Whether you prefer classes or solitary exercise, a fitness coach or personal trainer can help you make the most of it. Trainers provide direction, knowledge, and accountability. They can help you decide on the best personalized workout, set reasonable goals, and make the most of your workout routine. Working with a fitness trainer is not exclusively for professional athletes. In fact, being new to exercise or stuck in a rut can be the best time to find a trainer who can help you work toward your next goal.

Be Flexible

Just because 10 years ago you were able to live at the gym so you could drop pounds before your best friend’s wedding doesn’t mean that will work for you now. Be open to changing things up to get the best results from your workout. Are the kids out of school for summer? Working on a tough project at work? Making a change to your workout could be what you need to keep it from dropping off your calendar. Maybe your schedule requires you to change from a morning routine to an evening workout or instead of taking off weekends, it’s helpful to give yourself a break mid-week. Flexibility is key to staying on track.

Motivation to work out comes from you. Investing in the most supportive environment for you is the best way to stay motivated. Find a gym and trainer that fits your style and can be flexible to accommodate your needs. Eclipse 1-on-1 trainers have helped hundreds of people create personalized workouts that drive results, and we can do the same for you.