When I used to live with a friend on the outskirts of Des Moines, he put up a workout poster above the TV in our living room. It had a quote that went something like:
"You don't want it badly enough"
This mirrored a point that exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel recently made on Instagram:.
If you need to find ways to motivate yourself to hit the gym, then you probably don't have a strong desire to be there in the first place.
If you find yourself questioning how to get motivated to hit the gym, it’s clear you’re not truly committed. You simply don’t desire it enough.
Although it might appear tough, Dr. Israetel emphasizes that everything shifts in terms of workout motivation when:.
When you're fed up with feeling awful and looking terrible, you'll make the effort to come. I’ll see you there… You'll definitely want to be at the gym.
Once you’re fed up with feeling and looking awful, you'll find your way to the gym. I'll see you there… You're definitely going to want to be there.
Countless transformation stories highlight that once individuals reach a certain emotional peak, almost nothing can deter them from achieving the next stage in their fitness journey. However, pinpointing exactly when this 'tipping point' occurs is quite challenging.
In addition to this change in mindset, the esteemed doctor’s approach to turning fitness into a lifestyle includes two major strategies:.
#1: Lowering barriers
This approach is making it easier for people to start exercising. It might involve discovering affordable gym memberships, choosing gyms that are nearby, selecting activities you actually like, or seeking motivation from a workout buddy or accountability partner. Additionally, having various workout choices for times when you can't make it to the gym can also help.
#2: Raising the impetus
This could involve establishing clear, accountable goals… cultivating a broader vision for your health and fitness journey… and fostering a genuine inner drive to get yourself to the gym.
Dr. Israetel’s method stands out because it emphasizes ‘pull motivation’ over ‘push motivation’. This strategy fosters a sincere connection with health and fitness, making you genuinely want to engage. It underscores the idea that fitness will become an integral part of your identity, rather than just a fleeting goal.
And this is something that requires patience and care, as it's often a journey of self-discovery where you figure out what suits you best in your fitness path. However, if you invest the time to let this process unfold, it can truly transform your fitness journey:.
"Those who consistently make it to the gym are usually the ones who genuinely enjoy being there. This enthusiasm often stems from viewing the gym as a space where you can see progress, challenge yourself, and have some fun along the way." - Dr. Israetel
