Push past exercise procrastination

Procrastination is something that many of us deal with when trying to achieve a goal or take action toward something, including regular exercise. Here are some helpful steps to help you overcome procrastination and stay motivated to make exercise a part of your routine.

Set SMART goals

Create goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timed. Following this SMART goal framework for fitness helps ensure that you set goals that are within your reach and are specific to the things you want to achieve, whether it’s muscle gain, weight change, or improved cardiovascular fitness. Clear and well-defined goals help you stay accountable and on track, making it easier to stay motivated.

Establish a routine

Routine is crucial for staying motivated. It enables your training sessions to become habits as opposed to something you need to motivate yourself to do all the time.

Develop a consistent exercise routine by scheduling specific workout times in your calendar. Making exercise a regular part of your daily or weekly schedule makes it much easier to overcome procrastination.

Find an enjoyable activity

Choose exercises and activities you enjoy. Whether it's group classes, weightlifting, running, swimming, or sports, there is something for everybody.

Choosing exercise forms that you enjoy will make you excited to work out instead of dreading your sessions. If you're unsure what type of exercise you'll enjoy the most, consider trying a few different things and seeing which ones you're most motivated to continue.