How I Stay Motivated to Work Out

It's been nearly two months since I've started embracing my new routine and hitting gym nonstop. I push myself to make it to the gym at least 4 days a week. And for me, that's a lot. At my one month mark I lost a total of 6 lbs, which was a happy surprise. My jeans fit a little better, and better yet, I feel stronger, happier and more confident. (Those endorphins are real, guys - get out there and collect them.) Of course, just like everyone else, there are good days and bad days. There are days I really don't want to go to the gym - maybe it's a long day at work, or I'm just being flat out lazy. Yet, one thing has always been the case - I have never regret a trip to the gym. It's my happy place. For the one hour I'm dancing away at one of my classes, I'm solely focused on the here and now of my class. I'm present and everything else (work, to-do list, stress, etc.) disappears. It's just me and the gym for 60 minutes straight. So, how do I stay motivated to go to the gym on days I maybe just want to go home and veg out? Read on to find out my some of workout secrets.



Athleta Leggings c/o; Lucy Activewear Racerback c/o; Just Porter Backpack c/o; J.Jill Zip-Up c/o 

Photos by: Julia O Test

Hitting the gym isn't always easy. Sometimes you need a little motivation, I'm one of those people who needs a gentle push every now and then, when my lazy self starts to kick in. So, in the spirit of helping other people who may get hit with the lazy bug every now and then, too, I put together a list of things that keep me motivated.

1.) First up, find a schedule that works for you & get it on your calendar. 
When I first joined the Bay Club, I tried every single class I could get my hands on. From there, I narrowed it down to see which ones I loved and wrote them in my agenda. I set Google calendar reminders, so I wouldn't accidentally double book myself. For me (because I'm a little Type-A), having a consistent schedule really keeps me on track. If a really bomb event happens to take place on a night I have a date with the gym, I'm flexible in skipping, but only if I make up for it on a different day that week. If I know I can't make up for it, I skip the event. If I know a class starts at 6, then I also know what time I need to leave the office in order to make the class. These days, there are few things that stand in the way of me and making a class.

2.) I'm a firm believe in "Look good, feel good," so I like to wear comfortable, happy workout clothes.
I think it's important to always feel good in what you wear - and that goes for gym clothes, too. I can't get enough of my black leggings and I froth over fun, colorful racerback tops. Wearing cute clothes to the gym is something small I like to do to give myself a smile - like, yeah girl, look at you looking good at the gym. Get it!

3.) Create a kick-ass playlist that gets you pumped up and ready to go. 
Music is a huge part of my life. I wake up and turn my music on. I sing in the shower. I tap my feet to the beat while on the bus on the way to work, and once I get to work, I can't make it through the day without some tunes steadily blasting from my noise-cancelling headphones. Music is life. So, it's not a shocker that good music helps me out at the gym, too. Because I'm almost always taking a class, I only listen to music while I'm waiting for a class to start, while stretching, or while I'm on my way there. Either way, having a fun, heart-pumping playlist really gets me in the mood to sweat it out. If you happen to be curious and want to know what I listen to, try this playlist here and here!

4.) Work out with rad people.
I don't typically like to work out with friends, because the gym is my sacred place, meaning, I kind of just want to zen out, not talk to people and let go. That's not to say that I don't enjoy working out with friends every now and then. Having said that, I still want to work out with rad people. One thing I really love about the Bay Club is that everyone in my classes, instructors and students alike, are welcoming and nice. It's unlike any other gym I've been to. The teachers are full of energy and positivity and the students in the classes are just there to have a good time. It's approachable and friendly. I'm into good vibes and think that the place you practice your fitness should be full of them.

5.) Find a place you love. 
I've picked gyms based on proximity thinking that the closer it is to me, the more I'll go. Didn't quite work out. I picked gyms because they were a tad better on the budget. Didn't quite work out. Now, I'm at a gym that's much farther away from my apartment and is a little out of my "fitness" budget range, but I love it. The people are great, the classes are great, the facility is great, and overall, it works for me. Because I love it, I love going. It's important to find a place you love, otherwise you'll find reasons not to go.

So, there you have it. A few things that keep me motivated to keep my butt moving. Do you have any tips or tricks? If you have any tips for staying fit & keeping motivated, please do share below!

Again, special thanks to the Bay Clubs for partnering with me on my fitness journey.