How To Motivate Yourself To Workout (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

Despite being a fitness professional and someone who has built a career around movement, I often don’t feel like working out. Here are some tips on how to motivate yourself to work out.

Sure, I know I’ll feel better afterward. And more often than not, I enjoy it while I’m doing it. But just like anyone else, sometimes I need that extra push to get started.

Why? Because life is full. Energy is limited. And there are a million things vying for our attention.

But we all know the benefits of moving our bodies, especially as we navigate our 40s, 50s, and 60s:

• It boosts your mood and reduces anxiety
• It supports hormonal balance
• It improves sleep, digestion, and overall energy
• It builds strength, bone density, and confidence from the inside out

So… how do you actually get yourself to do the thing when you don’t feel like it?

These are the 6 small, doable strategies I rely on—and they really work.

1. Decide the Night Before

Whether it’s a long walk, a strength workout, or a mobility session, I go to bed knowing what I’ll do the next day. That way, I don’t waste time (or energy) deciding in the morning.

Pro tip: One less decision in the morning = one point for you.

2. Visualize It Before Bed

Before I fall asleep, I take a moment to see myself doing the movement. Even a quick 30-second mental picture helps. I imagine how I’ll feel during and after—strong, clear, energized.

Visualization bridges the gap between resistance and action. It even activates the brain in similar ways to actually doing the workout. This is a great way to motivate yourself to do the workout the next day.

3. Work Out in Your Pajamas

Yep, really. Especially on weekends. After I get the kids fed, I throw on a sports bra (sometimes) and go. I’m not trying to be cute—I’m trying to make it happen.

No fancy workout set required. The less friction, the better.

4. Take a Shower Before You Work Out

If I’m going to a class or working with my trainer, I’ll sometimes take a quick warm shower beforehand.

Why? It helps me wake up, shake off sluggishness, and signal to my brain that something intentional and special is about to happen. Think of it as a little pre-game ritual. You’ll be motivated to do your workout like you wouldn’t believe.

5. Lie on the Floor

On days when I feel extra tired or resistant, I don’t force anything. I start on the floor—lie down, stretch, breathe.

I imagine the stress or heaviness melting into the floor beneath me. That tiny act often opens the door to gentle, nourishing movement.

6. Commit to Just 10 Minutes

When I really, really don’t feel like it, I say: “Just move for 10 minutes.”

If I still feel terrible after that, I give myself permission to stop.
But here’s the magic—I almost always keep going.
Momentum is a powerful thing.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need willpower.
You don’t need perfect motivation.
You just need to remove the friction and meet yourself where you are.

These six tricks help me stay consistent—and I hope they’ll help you too.

And if you’re looking for a simple, loving way to reconnect with your body, I created something just for you.

Here’s an amazing indoor walking workout. This is PERFECT to do when you just don’t feel like it. It’s fun, will help you break a sweat and will lift your mood!

You don’t need a gym, fancy clothes, or even motivation. Just start. Pajamas welcome.

Let’s move.
xo,
Erin