Hi! I’m a 16-year-old female, looking for advice on how to stay motivated and passionate about going to the gym.
I’ve been working out since I was 12, and my motivation used to come from trying to prove people wrong who body-shamed or bullied me, and seeking male validation. But since going to therapy, healing, and accepting my body, I have reached my body goals and found that my motivation to work out has dropped.
I’m worried that I might end up “letting myself go” by giving up on fitness and my health. Beyond body goals, I genuinely enjoy exercising and know it’s important for staying active and healthy.
So, I am asking for advice on how to stay motivated in a way that is not about revenge or seeking male approval. Any tips are appreciated. Thanks!
I started working out at around 12 and have kept it up for decades. This might not be the answer you’re looking for, but I have managed to stay consistent by building a solid habit.
Relying on passion or motivation alone would not have sustained me all these years. For me, it’s not even a question of whether I’ll work out or not, I just do. There is no internal debate.
So, I would suggest focusing on developing a strong routine.
Motivation and passion come and go, but discipline keeps me consistent. I also make gym time more enjoyable by picking a TV show and only watching it while at the gym (during cardio, core work, stretching, etc.). There are days when the only reason I go is because I want to finish an episode or start a new one after my previous workout.
I also attend a group fitness class twice a week. Some days, I’m not thrilled to go, but I enjoy the people in the class. Plus, the instructor always needs help when her phone won’t sync to the sound system or her timer messes up, and I am the unofficial tech support!
Oh yes, I have heard from many that while passion and motivation are great, it’s the discipline that truly determines success!
I think one of my big goals this year will be to focus on building a strong sense of self-discipline. I’m going to start planning a workout schedule right now.
What works best for me is having a few athletic hobbies I love and making friends who enjoy them too. When I was your age, I was into yoga, belly dance, and rock climbing. Now, I’m into MMA, climbing, and kettlebells. Staying active is easy because I stick to activities I enjoy and do them with people I like, giving me a great excuse to hang out.
Try exploring different sports or types of exercises until you find what you enjoy. For me, the motivation comes from thinking about my future self. I want to stay mobile as I age and have strong muscles to protect my bones.
That’s the way to go. For me, the typical gym is a nightmare. Instead, I do aerial acrobatics, boxing, and regular hiking to stay strong and feel good in my body.
I used to spend a lot of time at the gym, and it did wonders for my mental health. Then COVID hit, and everything went off track. I am currently working on getting back in shape but feel weak and unmotivated. I’d suggest revisiting the basics that you used to enjoy or trying a new routine to keep things fresh. Also, I find military cadences incredibly motivating compared to regular music, give the army cadence a try; it really pumps me up!
Martial arts, like Muay Thai, which I love, or BJJ, which my friends enjoy, can be life-changing and not related to revenge or other motivations. Training focuses on technique, form, and improving your skills. Hitting pads or the heavy bag makes you feel strong, powerful, and incredibly badass.
Establish a routine. Our feelings about activities can fluctuate, and while it helps to love what you do, it is not essential. The key is to integrate the gym into your daily life as a non-negotiable part of your routine. Remind yourself that growth comes from facing challenges, including going to the gym even when you’re not feeling enthusiastic.
When my motivation for cardio starts to wane, I make it more social. I have joined classes, run clubs where I know people, and group bike rides. For strength training, though, what keeps me motivated is tracking progress and feeling stronger. I use Caliber to monitor my weight and reps, and I love seeing my improvements. Being able to handle tasks like flipping a mattress, lifting a table, or carrying multiple bags of groceries gives me daily satisfaction that running doesn’t provide.
Hey girl! I totally get where you’re coming from. I had a similar experience, and what helped me was shifting my focus to how great working out makes me feel rather than just focusing on the results. I began setting small personal goals, like trying out new workouts or improving my lifts, and it made going to the gym enjoyable again. Remember, it’s all about doing it for yourself and enjoying the journey!
This can be challenging, but I stay motivated by reminding myself that I want to be the best version of myself. Additionally, mixing up your routine can help. I have been enjoying Pilates and Yoga lately, but I also hike and do Zumba. Remember, you don’t need to be perfect.
I travel frequently and want to be able to say yes to hiking, bike tours, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming with whale sharks.
I aim to be able to lift my backpack overhead to store it on public transport, walk 30,000 steps a day around a city without problems, and generally take good care of myself.
This can be challenging, but I stay motivated by reminding myself that I want to be the best version of myself. It also helps to mix things up. Right now, I’m enjoying Pilates and Yoga, but I also hike and do Zumba. Remember, perfection isn’t necessary.
