At some point of time everyone will struggle with a lessening degree of motivation than what they would consider to be their ideal.
Motivation is defined as the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. Motivation involves the biological, emotional, social, and cognitive forces that activate behavior. I usually hear the term referred to as in lack of motivation – not wanting to take action.
Motives are the ‘whys’ of behavior—the needs or wants that drive behavior and explain what we do. We don’t actually observe a motive; rather, we infer that one exists based on the behavior we observe.”
(Nevid, 2013)
The reality is that there are many different forces that guide and direct our motivations.
At a workshop I attended with other personal trainers, the instructor asked what we would do when we are not feeling motivated. The answers that the participant gave were: listening to music, circuit training, work out with a partner, work out outdoors, permit yourself to exercise for less time – taking the pressure off, struggle through it, reward yourself after, and surround yourself with social cues. When a regular exercise finds that they are not feeling motivated, I would encourage them to ask themselves why as well.
Is it the time that they are going to spend on the workout?
Do they feel guilty for being away from family, or other obligations?
Is it the fear of failure – or they don’t feel like they are up expectations particularly in a class setting?
Are they feeling tired? Sore? Afraid of an injury?
The number one predictor of physical activity adherence is fun.
If any of these factors are getting in the way then it can be difficult to allow oneself to actually enjoy the workout. Working out with a personal trainer in a safe comfortable environment can not only be a more effective workout but can help one to feel more successful and thus more likely to feel motivated to continue.
Regenesis Fitness 