How To Get The Energy To Exercise Consistently
Have you ever put your workout clothes on, laced up your shoes, and then thought, “I just don’t have the energy today“? I know I have. Some days, figuring out how to get the energy to exercise can feel like a workout in and of itself. Between busy schedules, the ups and downs of midlife, and everyday responsibilities, it is no wonder that we feel drained before we start moving our bodies. The good news? With a few shifts in habits and routines, finding that extra spark of energy is possible.
Before we dive in, let me be clear. I am not a personal trainer or a certified nutritionist. I’m just a midlife woman who loves to work out regularly and has learned a lot along the way about what helps me stay energized. I will share that my goal is strength training three times a week and recovery workouts two days a week. So, think of this post as one girlfriend sharing what works with another. Of course, always listen to your body and consult a professional if you need personalized advice. So now, I’ll share my practical guide on how to get the energy to exercise consistently.
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How To Get the Energy to Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the best things we can do for our overall health. It helps prevent disease, it keeps us fit and strong, and exercise boosts our mood. Moving our bodies consistently is truly a form of self-care for the long term. Yet, so many of us feel like we don’t have the time or energy to make it happen. That is why I am sharing this practical guide on how to get the energy to exercise consistently, so it feels less like a chore and something that you look forward to.
What Are the Common Reasons Why You Have No Energy To Exercise?
If you have ever skipped a workout because you felt too tired, you are not alone. It’s happened to me many times. However, before we can figure out how to get the energy to exercise, it helps to understand why our bodies sometimes feel drained to begin with. Once you know the common reasons behind low energy levels, it is much easier to make some simple tweaks that help you feel ready to move.
Poor Sleep Quality
When you don’t get enough restful sleep, your body and mind never fully recharge. That lack of recovery leaves you dragging. I like to track my sleep with my watch so I know how much my body can handle for the day. Bottoming out and needing a nap are not always an option.
Not Eating Enough (or eating the wrong foods)
Skipping meals, then relying on sugar or energy drinks to give you a quick burst of energy is not a good habit. It can easily lead to an energy crash. Without balanced fuel, your body doesn’t have the fuel in the tank it needs to move.
High Stress Levels
Sadly, stress doesn’t just affect our moods. It can also be an energy suck. Elevated cortisol levels can leave you feeling mentally exhausted before you even get started.
Sedentary Lifestyle
The less you move, the more sluggish you can feel. If you stay still too long, it can make even a short walk or workout seem like way too much.
Dehydration
Dehydration can cause fatigue, brain fog, and lower performance. If you are not drinking enough water, working out will feel much harder than it is.
How To Get Energy To Exercise
The good news is that there are plenty of small, practical things you can do to boost your energy for workouts. Sometimes it is tweaking your habits, and sometimes it is about shifting your mindset. These simple strategies can help you find the spark you need. Soon, exercise will be a part of your routine instead of something that you keep putting off. Before you know it, you will have the mindset….”I GET to work out today” versus “I have to work out today”.
Prioritize Consistent Sleep
Prioritize good quality sleep. This is one of the best energy boosters you will ever find. Having a great calming routine at night helps to set you up for a night of good sleep, so that you can recharge and be ready to go the next day. Who doesn’t love to fall asleep quickly when their head hits the pillow?
Schedule Workouts For Your Natural Energy Peaks
Pay attention to when you naturally feel most alert. Is it morning, afternoon, or evening? Plan your physical activity around that if you can.
Start Small To Build Momemtum
If you are just starting out, you don’t have to do an hour-long workout to see results and health benefits. Even 10 minutes of moving your body to get the blood flow moving can create energy to keep going. Take baby steps and build endurance.
Use music or a workout buddy
An upbeat playlist can boost your energy, or a friend can keep you accountable. That may be the extra push you need to get moving. Sometimes fun is the best motivator of all.
Stay Hydrated throughout the day
Drinking water regularly helps your body and muscles function best. Staying hydrated can instantly make your workouts feel easier. I like to keep a stainless steel water bottle with me during all of my workouts. That way, I make sure I am drinking plenty during my workouts.
All of these tips can help you have better workouts. Sometimes a gal needs an extra boost. Maybe a new pair of leggings or a cute workout top. I am 5′ and can help you find some great leggings that will fit and make you feel good about the way you look when working out.
What To Eat Before Exercise For Energy
Fueling your body the right way can make a huge difference in how strong and energized you feel when you work out. I can always tell if I didn’t fuel my body properly the day before, since I am a morning workout girl.
The key is to eat foods that give you steady energy without weighing you down or making you feel sluggish. Here are a few healthy, easy-to-grab options that can help boost your energy levels so you can have a great workout.
Banana with Almond Butter
Bananas are packed with natural carbs that give you good energy, while the almond butter adds healthy fats to keep you satisfied. This is a simple and portable pre-workout snack. I love this snack for an afternoon workout because it is so easy.
Greek Yogurt with Berries
This is one of my favorite morning meals. The protein in the yogurt supports your muscles, and the carbs in the berries provide an energy boost. Berries can be low in carbs and high in fiber.
Oatmeal with Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds
Oats digest slowly giving you long-lasting fuel for your favorite workouts. Adding chia seeds or flax seeds gives you a boost of fiber and Omega-3s. I also like to add a little vanilla protein powder to mine for an easy protein boost.
Apple slices with cheese
This is another easy snack for on-the-go, and you usually have it in the kitchen. The natural sugars in the apple will provide you with some quick energy and fiber. The cheese is your protein and fat to balance things out.
Thanks, Let’s Keep In Touch
At the end of the day, learning how to get the energy to exercise isn’t about pushing yourself harder. It’s about supporting your body so that movement feels good. Whether it is improving your sleep, staying hydrated, eating the right pre-workout snacks, or simply finding the best time of day for your workouts, small tweaks can make a BIG difference. Once you figure the energy “piece of the pie” out, exercise can shift from being a struggle to something that fuels you and that you look forward to. If you are wondering where I like to shop for my petite activewear, you can find out where I find things that fit and support my workout routines.
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