Struggling with motivation to exercise?

I’m currently using 3 tricks to keep me training:

1. Mix it up - I travel quite a bit, so I’m challenging myself to run in as many different counties as I can this spring. This stops me from avoiding a run on a travel/visiting day because I tell myself “I’m too tired”. I simply run after my full day and then get back in the car to drive home. (A change of clothes, spare water & wet wipes at the ready to make the journey less stinky!). You could try other variants of the same activity. E.g. runners try orienteering or hash harriers, cyclists try road, mountain, trail or electric. You get the idea.

   
   

2. Join friends & family in their activities. My son climbs (so I climb when we meet), my daughter runs (we do hill intervals together), my boyfriend plays golf (I’ve been to the driving range with him) …. Take time doing things with others and have some fun doing something you wouldn’t normally try.

   
   

3. Be part of a group: exercising with a group to keep you accountable, or even better, working towards a goal together. I’ve signed up to run 60 miles in April with Prostate Cancer Research. It feels good to be running to help a good cause. Every mile is worthwhile! Also, I get daily postings from other runners doing the challenge, which inspires me to run even when I’m tired, too busy or just feeling overwhelmed with the other things in my life. Cycling clubs, athletics

   

   or paddle boarding groups, anything goes.