7 hacks to get back into fitness when you're unmotivated

Author profile picture Mvmnt
Olivia Salter
March 26, 2025
4
min read
Unmotivated woman
Blogs
Fitness
7 hacks to get back into fitness when you're unmotivated

We’ve all had those moments: some days you’re buzzing with energy to exercise, and others you…

Just. 

Can’t. 

Be. 

Bothered

That’s because motivation is like a wave – it rises and falls, which can impact our ability to work out consistently. 

While we can’t avoid the ‘motivation rollercoaster’ altogether (life has a way of hijacking our drive with stress, endless to-do lists, and even seasonal changes), we can try to smooth out the curves as much as possible. 

Here are 7 ways to reignite your fitness spark and get moving again. 

Be kind to yourself

When you fall out of routine, it’s easy to beat yourself up. But let’s face it – self-criticism doesn’t help you feel better. And, ironically, it doesn’t motivate you to get back on track. 

So, first things first, try to practice self-compassion. Recognise that it’s okay to have off-days. You’re human! No one is on their A-game 24/7. 

By being kinder to yourself, you’ll find it easier to reset and move forward.

Reflect on you’re feeling stuck

Next, take some time to think about what’s draining your motivation.

 

Are you…

  • Feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
  • Low on quality sleep?
  • Fuelling your body with the right nutrition? 
  • Overloading your social calendar?
  • Finding the winter weather tough to navigate?

Getting square with your why can help you identify the root cause and take small, manageable steps to re-energise yourself and get back on track. 

Set small goals 

When it comes to creating a sustainable workout routine (emphasis on sustainable, here), start small. Set realistic goals and build on them gradually. 

Being overly ambitious just makes things harder for yourself. And that often means throwing in the towel altogether (pun intended). 

For example, this might look like committing to…

  • A 15-minute bodyweight strength session on your lunch break twice a week
  • A 10-minute yoga flow before bed three times a week 
  • One longer workout on the weekend

Starting small makes it easier to stay consistent and maintain momentum.

Pro tip: Did you know you can set personal fitness goals on Mvmnt? Create yours here. 

Do something you enjoy 

We’re all different. And that means our workout routines will look different, too. 

If you’re struggling to feel motivated, a good starting point is leaning into activities that genuinely excite you – whether it’s yoga, HIIT, or strength. 

When exercise is fun, it no longer feels like a chore. And the more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to keep showing up. 

Try habit stacking

One of the best ways to make a habit stick is ‘stacking’ it onto an existing one (or, as we like to call it in the wellness world, ‘habit stacking’). 

The existing habit prompts you to perform the new one, meaning you don’t need to rely on willpower alone. Genius? We think so, too. 

Use this formula, “After/While/Before [current habit], I will [new habit].” 

For example:

  • After I brush my teeth in the morning, I’ll do 10 minutes of HIIT
  • While I wait for my coffee to brew, I’ll do 5 minutes of strength training
  • Before watching TV in the evening, I’ll do 5 minutes of mobility

In time, these small actions become automatic.

Work out with your favourite coach

Mvmnt is home to 10 fantastic trainers, each with their own style and energy.  

While all of them are incredibly motivational in their own right (!), think about who speaks to you the most. 

Whether it’s Faisal’s infectious enthusiasm, Aaron’s cheeky sense of humour, or Nat’s signature laugh, finding the right coach can make all the difference in getting you off the sofa and into your workout gear. 

Be your biggest cheerleader

All movement is good movement, so celebrate your progress! 

Acknowledging your wins (no matter how small) keeps you energised and moving forward. 

Wherever you are on your fitness journey, Mvmnt is with you every step (and rep) of the way. Ready to get into it again?

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