Sometimes after a really hard workout, I will joke with my clients that I “personally trained myself” the day before, so I’m a little uncomfortable jumping around. My client will totally understand this, because she knows how I challenge her in her workouts, but then she will usually ask me how I can push myself in my workouts when there is no one there telling me what to do. It is one thing to get to the gym or put on your running shoes, but much more difficult to workout at high intensity level. However, here are some tips you can use to make sure you get the most out of the time you put into your exercise program:

Have a plan. If you go to the gym or just start jogging without a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, you usually won’t accomplish much more than wandering around, halfheartedly doing a couple reps or stopping as soon as you begin to feel a bit tired. I always make sure I write down how many of what exercises at what weight or how many miles I plan to jog before I even leave my house. Just knowing what my goals for that day are helps keep me going when I start to get fatigued; I am pretty competitive, even with myself! Focus on what you will gain by pushing yourself instead of how unpleasant the act itself can be.

Workout with a friend. Knowing that someone else is counting on you can motivate you to actually get to the gym, and having someone else watching you makes you less likely to cheat! However, if you choose to exercise with a buddy, make sure that person will challenge you to be your best, not enable you to slack off!

Keep it interesting. If you do the exact same workout or even type of workout for months on end, you will probably get bored and stop putting real effort in to your exercise program. I have a basic routine that I like to stick with, but I am constantly trying new exercises, and classes to challenge my body, mind, and, as anyone who has ever witnessed me attempting Zumba knows, my comfort level.

How motivate yourself to do more than go through the motions?