Hi, I’m a 22M. I really want to better myself and get healthy. I have a gym membership, but I have no motivation to go. I’ve been struggling with my mental health, and going to the gym seems like such a daunting task. How do you stay motivated so I might be able to be and stay motivated to better myself?
How how do you find motivation to go to the gym?
r/Advice
Comments
You won’t always feel motivated go anyway. Even 5 minutes is a win. Don’t chase perfection but chase consistency. Show up tired, show up anxious, just show up. That’s how you build the version of you you’re looking for.
Get deeper into the science of your exercises and what they actually do. Try to come up with a real reason to go. For me, I just feel more mentally stable.
Try going with a friend or family member. Having someone to do it with and gaining progress together can offer great amounts of motivation.
First think about the reason you don’t want to go.. is it an internal thought that stops you? Or is it an external; such as social anxiety?
If it’s internal I’d say create the man you want to be with your imagination, then look up the best exercises to achieve that dream body. You can start off with push ups at home to get a warm up. Listen to some intense music. Build up to it slowly & never forget to pat yourself on the back every time you make it to the gym. Be consistent and honestly start off with a light time that makes it easier for you. Say 30 mins to an hour.
Now say it’s external and you’re worried about what people think about you because you aren’t confident how you look. Could be fat or really skinny. Maybe you’re not sure how to work all the equipment or you aren’t sure if you can take those people who stare your way.
Just remember you’re there for YOU and those people started day one just like you. If anything you could always ask for help or advice. You might find yourself more motivated just showing up! You’ll see many different body types & forms of building muscles, increasing flexibility or taking cardio to a whole other level.
Overall I think videos on YouTube will help with motivation, knowing what you’re there for, and believe in the man you want to become before you’re even there. Go get it! 😤
Motivation fades, so I rely on discipline. I treat the gym like brushing my teeth—non-negotiable. Even 20 minutes counts. Consistency will build the habit – but it’s not easy! some things that help me:
convenience: pick a gym you can easily get to, or ones where you can go to multiple locations
fun: sometimes the gym is just BORING, so I supplement with a skill-based thing (I do martial arts too) so that the gym becomes meaningful (e.g. I need my legs to be stronger so my kicks can be more powerful)
goals: make sure you’re always aiming for something at the gym, even if it’s small progressions like running an extra minute on the treadmill, or lifting slightly heavier each week. Take pictures of your physique as you go so you can see the fruits of your labour
Completely agree with some comments, you won’t always feel motivated. I have days where I think, god I really can’t be bothered today.
But, get into the habit of doing it anyway, even if you don’t go gym and do a quick workout at home. As someone who used to power lift, the euphoria you get after a good workout outweighs the guilt of not going by a mile.
Set yourself challenges, and continue to meet them. But also don’t put yourself down having a break sometimes, it’s all about balance!