Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo

All the Motivation You Need to Get to the Gym

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UW Lax chapter.

I know working out may be the last thing on your mind when classes start up again. With all of the excitement of being back on campus, we are more focused on the new cute boy in our classes or the new, cool, potential girlfriends down the hall. Rather than finding time to head over to the gym, we are more focused on finding time to hang out with our new friends–which is not a bad thing, but make sure you’re keeping your health in mind, too! Especially now that we’re back in college, we tend to get lazier and not eat as well as we should.  Stocking up on some cute workout gear this fall, along with a few other tips listed below, will be the first step to getting you back into the gym. Remember, your fitness and health is important and so is your bikini bod, am I right!? 

1. Pick up some new work out gear! Like I said before, by picking up some cute work out clothes you will feel more motivated to hit up the gym. Spice up your usual boring work out attire with some new patterned leggings, bright tennis shoes or a cute tank top.

2. Find a motivational quote and make it your lock screen on your phone…such as, “I work up this morning and realized I don’t have what it takes to sit back and be average” or “They say she couldn’t so she did.” There’s nothing like a motivational quote, such as these, that will inspire you to get up and workout in the morning. Pick a motivational quote to make your lock screen on your phone so whenever you pick up your phone (which is probably quite a few times a day) you instantly feel motivated to go to the gym or maybe just make you feel a little bit guilty for not already going.

3. Bring a work out buddy! What better way to motivate yourself to get to the gym than to find a friend that’s willing to motivate you as well!? Not only will they motivate you to get to the gym, but you can also motivate them. It’s a win-win situation. 

4. Remember to keep your eye on the prize! Although it may be getting colder and you’re probably going to be living in oversized sweaters and leggings for the next 6 months, eventually summer is going to come again, and you’re going to want to be ready. Instead of regretting not working out throughout winter, you will already be ready to head to the beach on the first day of warm weather when summer rolls around. 

5. Put together a new work out playlist! There’s nothing that gets me running faster while on a run than new music to listen to. Some of my favorites right now are “I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers, “Different Colors” by WALK THE MOON and Justin Beiber’s new song “What Do You Mean?”. Put together a playlist with your choice of music, and you’ll be more motivated than ever to run that extra mile.

6. Find fun ways to work out! You can still get a good work out even if you don’t feel like going to the gym. Go rollerblading, biking or take a zumba or yoga class. Take advantage of the beautiful view of the leaves changing colors by taking a nice walk down a natural trail with some of your girlfriends! It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning—hanging out with friends while also getting in some exercise. 

7. Workout for you! Do it for your own health, fitness and happiness. Although it maybe seem hard to believe, it is true that exercise makes you happier. While working out, your body releases endorphins that, believe it or not, make you feel happier. At the end of the day it all comes down to you and what you’re willing to do to get to a better, healthier life. 

 

Sarah Mueller is a senior majoring in Organizational and Professional Communication and minoring in Professional Writing. She loves to write, run, and do yoga in her free time. Follow her on instagram: sarah_muelller