Need some motivation to work out? Try these three tips.

Most days, there are a million things I’d rather be doing than working out.

My method of choice is running, yet when I think of throwing on my shoes and hitting the pavement, all the reasons not to come to mind: It’s too hot or humid. I’m kinda hungry. I’m tired. I’m too slow. Etc., etc.

First of all, it’s OK to not be in love with exercise. I’ve recently come to the conclusion that working out is never going to truly be easy; it is a workout, after all. Even the fitness start we see on YouTube and Instagram? I’m pretty sure working out isn’t always their favorite thing to do, either. Getting yourself motivated enough to exercise is a mental struggle more than anything, but there are generally three ways I can overcome my nagging doubts and dread and just do it, already.

1. It’s only 30 minutes.
Thirty minutes is about two percent of the day. That’s it. If it still seems daunting, break the time into chunks. Tell yourself it’s just a few more minutes, and never feel bad about taking breaks if you need to.

2. It’s about quality, not quantity.
It’s not about running ten miles or doing 100 push-ups or swimming for an hour. As with so many things in life, it’s about the effort you put in instead of the magnitude. Ten perfect sit-ups are better than 50 half-decent ones. As long as you’re striving for improvement, you’re doing the right thing – and you don’t need to worry about anyone else. You know what you’re capable of; focus on that.

3. It’s the best way to treat yourself.
We’re inundated with fitness models and meal prep videos, HIIT plans and programs that promise to help us make gains. But working out, at its core, is about taking care of yourself. No, going for a jog certainly isn’t as immediately pleasant as, say, sitting down to a bowl of ice cream. But the health benefits, both mental and physical, make that two percent of your day so worth it.

When you take a little time out of your day to do something good for yourself, you’ll be glad (maybe more so when it’s done!). How do you motivate yourself to work out? What are your favorite easy exercises? Share with me below!