Being physically active helps us stay healthy and, if we have a few extra pounds, can also make it easier to lose weight. Yet, knowing this doesn't always help us get off the couch and get onto the treadmill or pick up some weights instead. If you have every intention to exercise but working out seems to stay at the bottom of your to-do list, you may be wondering why. The answer to this question is different for everyone because there are many potential reasons behind why people find it hard to get motivated to work out.

No Motivation to Workout?

We're all familiar with the most common reasons we don't exercise – we're too busy, too tired, it's too boring, and on and on. Though this is what we tell ourselves, the real reasons we aren't motivated may be a bit more complicated. If you have no motivation to workout, you can start by adding in daily movement that you enjoy that isn't necessarily part of a structured workout. For instance, take your pet or kids on a walk or play with them outdoors, pick up an active hobby like gardening or a team sport. You can also add movement into your day a little at a time by taking the stairs, parking further away from stores and work, or walking to nearby errands.

The good news is that even just a small change in how you think about exercising can make a big difference when it comes to increasing your motivation.

Find Your Motivation to Work Out

Exercise may be all about moving the body, but the first step is to move your mind. Getting past your mental roadblocks can open the door for new ideas, new attitudes, and a renewed motivation to work out.

Acknowledge Where You Are

Acknowledging where you are, as well as your responsibility to tend to your fitness regularly, helps keep things more in balance. It also brings you one step closer to changing how you live because you recognise where you have room to improve.

Accept Exercise as a Must

If you want to get healthy, exercise is non-negotiable. No pill, diet, or surgical procedure can take the place of being active. So, instead of viewing exercise as a choice, commit to making it a regular part of your day, like making your bed and brushing your teeth. Knowing you can create your own exercise experience may help you get up and get moving.

Give Your Workouts Meaning

For some people, exercise is a means to an end. It's a way to lose weight or to get a more toned body. Future goals are nice but there's another part to the equation that, when missing, makes exercise hard to stick to long-term: purpose. In other words, your workouts need to have value, regardless of whether you ever reach your fitness goal. Working for the future isn't enough to keep us driven and motivated. We need it to mean something now. Think about what exercise means to you, besides a way to lose weight or gain muscle. What value does it offer outside of your fitness goals?

Incorporate Exercise Into Everyday Life

While you're considering your exercise barriers, why not begin to work towards a more active lifestyle? You don't have to turn your whole life upside down. Instead, take small steps to start living a healthier lifestyle. Work more physical activity into your everyday routine. If you like to keep things simple, you could take several walks throughout the day or add some laps the next time you shop at the mall. Once you're ready, incorporate focused exercise sessions to increase your heart rate and build muscle.