9 BUSY WOMEN SHARE HOW THEY REALISTICALLY STAY MOTIVATED TO EXERCISE

If only keeping up with your workout schedule was as exciting as keeping up with the latest episode of MAFS. According to Nuffield Health’s Healthier Nation Index, psyching yourself up to exercise is something the majority of people struggle with, with three in four not reaching the NHS’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and 53% citing motivation as the biggest barrier.

So, on National Fitness Day 2024, the Women’s Health team are here to share the tips that keep them motivated to move their bodies, when it feels like the to-do list is neverending.

Claire Sanderson, Editor-in-Chief, 46

‘It’s basic but true: I’m motivated by a great pair of leggings. My go-tos are LNDR or lululemon - they always make me feel so amazing that I want to do a workout. Once I’m actually wearing fit kit, I now rarely skip a session. I put it on first thing and it ensures that at some point during that day I will move my body. That said, I have been lacking a bit of motivation lately, so I’ve been choosing workouts that I know will energise me, like a Peloton ride to dance music rather than a weights session, which I feel is too easy just to stop if I’m not feeling it.’

Sanchia Legister, Women's Health Collective coach, 40

'Meet yourself at whatever stage you’re at. Be kind with your thoughts and keep going even when your motivation isn’t there (as it will come and go).'

Bridie Wilkins, Fitness Director, 30

‘I always follow a progressive workout plan that suits my goal(s) with trainers that I trust and enjoy working out with. At the moment, I’m following Women’s Health Collective coach Izy George’s 14-day grip strength challenge on the Women’s Health app in a bid to beat my current dead hang time. I recently committed to doing dead hangs daily for a month and my grip routinely let me down, so I’m determined to improve. Having a plan with scheduled workouts to stick to and a realistic goal in sight always keeps me accountable.’

Saima Husain, Women's Health Collective coach, 44

'Always keep mini resistance bands and a mini Soreen loaf in your gym bag, so that you always have some equipment and something to refuel with. That way, you're always prepared if your favourite machine is in use, or you don't have time to grab food between meetings.'

Jess O’Donnell, E-Commerce Editor, 28

‘In order to stay consistent with my workouts, I need to be training for a particular event, competition or goal. When I’m not following a plan, I find it all too easy to snooze my alarm or eschew my evening workout in favour of Netflix on the sofa. However, when I’m training for a big run (be it a 10k, half marathon or marathon) I’m focused, motivated and organised. My running plan of choice for the past year or so has been Runna, an app that creates personalised training plans. Having my weekly workouts scheduled helps me stay on track and gives me some oft-needed accountability when my motivation is waning.’

Kate Rowe-Ham, Women's Health Collective coach, 48

'It can be daunting, but don't be afraid to reach out to people (the staff at your gym, or friends you know have experience with exercise) and ask them to help you, they want to! Remember everyone was where you were once, so don’t compare yourself to others.'

Alice Barraclough, Nutrition Editor, 32

‘Working out with friends – or attending a set fitness class (rather than just going to the gym) – is the best way for me to stay motivated (and accountable). On average, I work out five to six times a week, but I like to really mix it up. I go to a weekly strength class that focuses on big compound moves, and a weekly yoga class. I find that if I sign up, and make the commitment, I’m 10 times more likely to actually go. The rest of my week consists of a mixture of running and cycling – I love going to parkrun on a Saturday morning and grabbing a coffee with my neighbour afterwards or riding out to Windsor at the weekend with friends and stopping for a cinnamon bun.’

Georgie Lane-Godfrey, Membership Content Editor, 36

‘Trust me when I say there is nothing more motivating for your fitness than your baby learning to walk – then subsequently running at speed towards moving vehicles. While I still have the edge over my one-year-old, my three-year-old is steadily gaining on me, so I’m feeling pretty motivated right now to improve my running abilities and keep them, you know, alive. Having a dog really helps, too, as I have to get outdoors to walk him anyway. He keeps me accountable and makes a great running buddy.’

Kate Cheng, Health and Fitness Writer, 30

‘I rely heavily on the structure of indoor gym classes as I don’t know how to do my own programming: having an instructor ensures I’ll actually do the workout, and other people being there keeps it sociable. The variety of strength, cardio and calisthenics sessions helps. I don’t put too much pressure on myself - while I do try my best, I’m also just happy that I made it there, having been sedentary for basically all of my adolescence.’

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