For those of us in the wild west (and north) it has turned quite nearly into winter over night, we have bypassed fall and gone straight into cold and snow. This has every I know feeling rather low on the motivation level. The weather should improve for us soon but unfortunately for us we have 6 months of winter to look forward to after that so we are going to need figure out a way to stay motivated for these grey months!

1. Plan Ahead: 

Look at your week coming up, physically write down which days you're doing what. Write out the exercises on each day even, then you know exactly what you have to get done and even if you don't really feel like it you're more likely to go if it's scheduled. I like having a visual reminder too so a weekly calendar for the wall is always helpful!

2. Grab a Gym Friend: 

Working out is always easier when you have someone to go with you, who will hold you accountable on those days you just don't feel like it. Make sure it's someone reliable, don't be the gym friend who suggests beers instead of a workout. 

3. Hire a trainer: 

I know it can be expensive but a lot of my clients tell me if they didn't have an appointment with me they would not have gone to workout. You can also go see a trainer for them to just build you a program, starting a new training phase or getting a new program can really mix things up and get you feeling motivated if you're not digging your routine anymore. Having a professional set something up for you is great because they can tailor it to your needs, your level and your goals. So not only is it more exciting you're more likely to see results if you stick with it!

4. Set some goals: 

Some real, concrete, time sensitive goals like "I want to gain 5 lbs of muscle by November" or "I want to cut my 5km running time down by 1-2minutes by the end of october" these things are great and if they're important to you and you're excited by your goals you're going to feel motivated to do it!

5. Dedicate it as your "Me Time" 

If you're super busy with work, school etc, take it as a dedicated break away from all that. If you're super stressed you're much more likely to be excited for a workout because it's a mental break. And guess what? Your productivity will increase when you're done! 

6. Try a new workout class: 

Sometimes something new can be just the thing to light a fire under your butt and give you some motivation! Since it's colder here now we go back and get more into rock climbing, we haven't been much in the summer months because we were doing more outdoor stuff. But I'm so excited to get back into it now!