5 Brain Hacks to Trick Yourself Into Exercising More

We all know that exercise is good for us, but sometimes it can be hard to motivate ourselves to get up and do it. Whether it is: lack of time, energy or motivation, there always seems to be something getting in the way. But fear not, there are some simple tricks you can use to make exercising more appealing and enjoyable. In this article, I will share five brain hacks that can help you trick yourself into exercising more.

1. Create a Positive Association

Make exercise something to look forward to by doing something you love while exercising. It could be watching your favourite TV show, listening to an audiobook or music or your favourite podcast. Behavioural Scientist, Katy Milkman, Ph.D., found that bundling something you love with working out makes it much more likely that you’ll get your regular exercise in. Tell yourself that the only time you can watch that show or listen to that podcast is when you are exercising. Naturally, this will make you want to exercise more, because of the fun associations you have with exercising. 

2. Work Out With Friends or With a Partner

This will make it more fun and it keeps you accountable. Having a verbal agreement to work out with someone is a powerful tool. You are much more likely to get the workout done if you make a commitment to a friend. You’re more likely to show up to the workout and you’ll definitely enjoy it more. “You’re getting this cardiovascular workout, you’re chatting, you’re engaging your brain in conversation. That’s the hat trick of happiness right there,” says Samantha Boardman, M.D.

3. Share Your Progress Online

Whether it’s public or private, posting your exercises online is a great motivator. Post your workouts on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Get Strava, the app centered around posting workouts and connecting with other active people. Or join a Whatsapp/Facebook group of people sharing their workouts. Paula Klaassen, winner of our Best Body Transformation competition, said the LK Fitness Close-Friends group (for people who have the app) was a great motivator in her weight-loss journey, saying, “The Facebook Close Group was awesome. The sharing, motivation and positive comments every day encouraged me to exercise and post.” 

Click on the link to join the LK Fitness App private group –

Facebook closed group link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3822427704438516/
Please remember: This closed group is for users of the LK Fitness App. You have to have an active LK Fitness App subscription. Please answer all three questions and provide the e-mail address with which you subscribed.


To get the LK Fitness App, click here.


4. Put Your Exercise Clothes Out the Night Before

It doesn’t matter if you exercise in the morning or in the afternoon. Leaving your clothes out and ready before you go to bed is a good way to play a mental trick on yourself. Seeing your clothes ready the following day will help solidify your plans to work out that day. You can even put your sneakers right by the door so you have no chance of missing it. 

5. Set Achievable Goals

Starting small and building up gradually is highly recommended. People who set impossible goals for themselves give up the moment they have one bad day. Don’t be hard on yourself, set achievable goals and you will build a positive-reinforcement habit in your brain. You will feel proud of achieving your goal, and that feeling will encourage you to keep going. Be in it for the long game, be patient, and build up to your bigger goals.

Conclusion

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore or something you dread. By using these brain hacks, you can make exercise a fun and enjoyable part of your routine. Remember to start small, find an exercise partner, and focus on the positive outcomes. With time and consistency, you’ll start to see the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and exercising will become something you look forward to every day.


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