How to Get Yourself to the Gym When You’re Tired

Let’s face it, the hardest part about going to the gym may just be getting there.  Whether you have that 2:00 PM  feeling or just after a long day of work, finding the motivation to pick yourself up and get to the gym can be especially difficult.  And if you’re finding it even more difficult to get to the gym than usual, then you’ve come to the right article.

Below, we are going to discuss the best ways to get yourself to the gym when you’re tired or exhausted.  Now, this article isn’t meant to discuss what you should do and what exercises you should perform once you get to the gym.  Rather, we are going to discuss and give you some advice on steps you can take to motivate yourself to go to the gym, especially when you’re feeling tired or exhausted.

Why is it Important to go to the Gym?

Before we dive into steps you can take to motivate yourself to get to the gym, it’s important to discuss just why going to the gym is so important. Not only will understanding why going to the gym is so important help you to get to the gym, but it may also provide you with a bit more motivation to ensure that you get there.

Firstly, from a lifestyle perspective, the gym is an engrained habit.  This means that although the beginning may be tough and difficult, through repeated experience and visits, you will not only find working out easier but also more fulfilling.  In fact, you may just become a bit addicted to the gym and the post-gym feeling.

Secondly, the gym is one of the best ways to maintain both a healthy weight and lifestyle.  Exercise can not only help to prevent excess weight gain, but it can also be a useful tool for weight loss.  Quite simply, if you are losing more calories than you are taking in, you will lose weight.

In addition, going to the gym can help to prevent a slew of health conditions and diseases.  Whether it’s diabetes, heart health, or high blood pressure, engaging in exercise and equipment at the gym can help you to avoid and reduce those issues.

And lastly, if you’re feeling too tired or exhausted to go to the gym, then exercise may just be the perfect answer.  Not only does exercise help to improve mood and stress, but it also boosts your energy.  Regular physical activity, whether at the gym or a simple walk, can help to boost your endurance and increase muscle strength.

Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Caffeine

Caffeine has a bit of a bad reputation, particularly as a pre-workout.  However, drinking a cup of coffee, tea, or even a pre-workout supplement can provide you with a boost of energy and enough energy to motivate yourself to go to the gym.  While we caution over-indulgence, particularly late at night, a quick cup should suffice and provide you with enough energy to get to the gym.

Meet a Friend at the Gym

There really is nothing quite as motivating to going to the gym as being held accountable to go to the gym.  And one of the best ways to keep yourself accountable is by going to the gym with a friend or family-member.  If possible, make plans with a friend, loved one, or family-member to meet at the gym and decide on a time to meet there.  This added incentive may just be enough to force yourself off the couch and to the gym.

Shorten Your Workout

There may be somedays where going to the gym may really feel difficult.  If you’re having one of those days, then don’t hesitate to cut yourself some slack and reduce or shorten your workout.  Instead of following your normal gym routine, feel free to shorten your workout by 50% or more.

Go to the Gym Immediately After Work

Another great way to ensure that you go to the gym even when you’re feeling tired is to avoid going home after work or school.  The comforts of home may prove too difficult to escape and when you’re feeling tired or exhausted, going home may make it even more difficult to pick yourself up and motivate yourself to go to the gym.

To avoid those comforts, try not to go home immediately after work or school.  Rather, head straight to the gym and complete your workout.  Once you’ve completed your workout, not only will you feel better and have more energy, but you will really be able to go home and relax.

Reward Yourself for Going to the Gym

Many times, a simple reward for a job well done may be enough of a motivator to get a task, errand, or project done.  And the same may be true of going to the gym.  So, if you’re feeling especially tired and unmotivated to go to the gym, promise yourself a reward for going.

Whether it’s a juicy burger or an extra slice of pizza, rewarding yourself for going to the gym may just be the motivation needed to go.  However, don’t go overboard with the reward.  You don’t want to overindulge and push back the progress you’re making at the gym.

Try Something New at the Gym

Too often, going to the gym can feel exhausting due to the lack of stimuli and new experiences faced at the gym.  So, rather than sticking to your normal gym routine, feel free to mix it up and try something new.  Whether it’s swimming a few laps in the pool, jumping on an exercise bike, or even trying a high intensity interval training workout, mixing it up and trying something new at the gym will give you an added level of motivation to get to the gym.

Join a Class

Another great way to motivate yourself to go to the gym is to join a class at the gym.  Whether it’s a yoga, Pilates, or spinning class, joining a class is a great motivator and an added incentive to head over to the gym.  In addition, if you have to pay for the class beforehand, you’ll be more likely to meet that obligation rather than being out on the money spent.