Before I became a trainer, I thought fitness pros were more machine than mere mortal. Where else do they get the discipline and energy needed to keep themselves and their clients going strong, workout after grueling workout? (And, really, how else do you explain the awesomeness of Jillian Michaels?) Since joining the ranks, I realized how right I was, but not for reasons I'd thought. On a particularly long day, it's so easy to let those "but I don't feel like it" or "there's always tomorrow" excuses take over, so I've found that full-on autopilot is the way to go. I stop arguing with myself, change my clothes (ya know, from the "nice" Spandex capris to the rattier ones) and just go—for the run/to the weight room/to the class. Once I'm there and I get started, I never regret it. This is what works for me, but obviously, this isn't how all trainers do it. Here, a few kernels of self-motivation from folks who inspire others for a living.
Channel Your Inner Fitness Star
"What gets me going during a tough workout is to imagine I'm putting on a show, and give it my best. Maybe it's just the performer in me, but I always work harder if I think someone is watching." —Erin Kaye Locksley Sanders, Brooklyn-based certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and owner of Kloxy Fitness
Do It For Your Health
"When I’m not feeling it today, I think about my future. I'm a 33-year-old black woman with a family history of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. I do not want to continue this family legacy by any means." —Zawadi Barskile, owner and head fitness trainer at Fierce, Fit & Fabulous in Raleigh, NC.
Focus On the End Goal
"I keep items of inspiration around my apartment to help me remember what I am working towards, like an expensive dress hanging on the outside of my closet. Then I'll picture the fun night I'll have when I get the chance to wear it!" —PJ Monson, NASM-certified personal trainer and founder of New York City's Central Sweat
MORE: The Best Fitness Goal I Ever Made
Just Get Started
"I shut off that 'I don't have time' or 'I don't want to today' voice and replace it with a stronger, 'You've got this, girl!' The hardest part can be just strapping on those sneaks and getting started. I'll bargain with myself—'Just try it out for five minutes.' And you know what? Shortly into the warm-up, I've forgotten all of those excuses." —Petrina Hamm, certified personal trainer and founder of Petrina Hamm Fitness in Apex, NC
Get a New Perspective
"When I'm struggling in a workout, I think of different hardships other people have endured—illness and injury, and even poverty and war, and it suddenly changes my perspective. What I'm doing doesn't seem as hard, and feels like a privilege to be able to do it." —Melissa Elder, certified personal trainer and founder of Coordinated Wellness in New York City
Start with What You Love
"What gets me to tackle a workout when I'm not feeling it? A very long warm-up consisting of foam rolling and mobility work. Then I start with my favorite exercise. At the very least I've done something—and at the most I will go ahead and crush my workout." —Shane MacLean, certified personal trainer in Dallas, TX
Remember How Far You've Come
"I remind myself that if I skip the workout, I'll be moving backwards. All the strength I've acquired as a result of consistent training would go out the window and it's not worth it." —Trish DaCosta, San Diego-based certified personal trainer, Pilates instructor, and founder of Love Life Fit
MORE: 3 Things That’ll Keep You Working Out Regularly
Train Like the Person You Want to Be
"My mantra is something like, 'Who do you want to be when your 80?' The answer being: a bad-ass lady who can still cut a rug on the dance floor!" —Samantha Carmean, certified personal trainer in New York City
Prep Your Mind
"For motivation, I sit quietly and breathe deeply, ideally in the sunshine. I visualize the workout and how I'm going to perform it. While some may enjoy loud music, I prefer the quiet of nature or the stillness of my own mind. My mantra quotes Brad Pitt from Troy, 'Let no man forget how menacing we are; we are lions!' And in regards to pep talks, lions don't need pep talks." —Andrew Chaddick, certified strength and conditioning specialist at The Houstonian Club in Houston
Crush the Competition
"What gets me going: Knowing that there is someone else out there who is busier than I am and is busting his ass harder than I am." —Will Lanier, head coach at CrossFit gym Brick New York
MORE: 15 Totally Fitspirational Quotes to Pump You Up
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