Let’s face is, exercise doesn’t come easy for everyone. There are some people that love going to the gym or going for a run, but there are also people that would rather do just about anything else. I am one of those people that would rather do anything else. However, I power through and make it happen. The result? I feel a million times better than I would have if I didn’t exercise.
Everyone knows while exercise is a great way to improve your physical and mental health, it can be really difficult to stick to an exercise routine. It also doesn’t help when you feel like everyone at the gym knows you haven’t been in quite some time. Affirmations are a good way to stay motivated, stick to a routine, and power through gym anxiety.
Affirmations should always be positive. Instead of saying “I am horrible at sticking to my gym routine”, try switching it up with a more positive statement. For example, “I am motivated to stick to my gym routine because I know it makes me feel great.”
What are affirmations, and do they work?
Simply put, affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself in order to encourage and motivate yourself. They are a simple way to change your self-talk from negative to positive.
There is some scientific evidence to support the use of affirmations. One study found that participants who repeated positive affirmations had improved performance on a challenging task. Another study found that people who used affirmations felt more confident and had a higher level of self-esteem.
Affirmations are more than just willing the universe to grant you your desires. It’s about reframing your mind to think more positively and believe in yourself. They’re not magic, and they won’t work if you don’t put in the effort to begin with. You can use them to help find your dream job, attract new friends, or just start your week off right.
Is it okay to combine affirmations with meditation?
Yes, affirmations can be combined with meditation! In fact, many people find that affirmations are more effective for them when they are used in conjunction with meditation.
If you are new to affirmations, it might be helpful to start by meditating for a few minutes each day. Once you are comfortable with meditation, you can add affirmations to your practice. There are plenty of free meditations available on YouTube. You can also find them on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Some people find it helpful to repeat their affirmations out loud. Others prefer to repeat them silently to themselves or write them in a journal. Experiment to see what works best for you.
When repeating affirmations, should I say “you are” or “I am”?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question and it all comes down to your preference. Some people find it helpful to say “you are” because it helps them feel as though they are talking to themselves in the second person. This can make the affirmations feel more real and powerful.
Other people prefer to say “I am” because it helps them feel more connected to the affirmation. Ultimately, it is up to you and what you feel comfortable with.
Now that you’re ready to start using affirmations for exercise, here are some examples to get you started. You can alter these affirmations to make them more personal to you. Or, you can use them the way they are. Remember, the more specific the affirmation, the more it will set in.
Affirmations For Gym Anxiety
If you’re someone who gets anxious about working out in front of others, you’re not alone. Gym anxiety is incredibly common, especially when you’re just starting out with a new routine. Everyone in the gym looks like they know exactly what they’re doing.
The truth is, avid gym-goers weren’t always as confident as they are now. There was a point when it was their first time in the gym. Just remember, most people in the gym are there to workout and get their routine done. They aren’t paying much attention to what you’re up to, so try not to worry about it! If you find that you’re still struggling with gym anxiety, try to avoid the times of day when it is more crowded.
- I enjoy working out at the gym and taking care of myself
- No matter what, I always show up for my workout
- I am proud of myself for taking care of my body
- My gym time is sacred me-time that I cherish and look forward to
- Working out at the gym is one of the best things I can do for myself
- I am present in this beautiful moment of self-care
- I am dedicated to my fitness journey
- I am in control of my own feelings
- As I workout at the gym, I am calm and relaxed
- I choose to feel calm while working out at the gym
- I am at ease when working out at the gym
- I let go of control and focus on my workout
Positive Workout Affirmations
Affirmations are all about being positive. You want to use positive language and words instead of negative.
- I am excited to see the results of my hard work
- I am worth taking care of and investing in myself
- I am grateful for my body and its ability to move and exercise
- I enjoy moving my body and feeling the results
- Exercise is invigorating and makes me feel great
- I am committed to my health and fitness goals
- My body is healthy, fit, and strong
- I am determined to reach my fitness goals
- I am capable of anything I set my mind to
- I am worthy of a healthy body
Affirmations For Exercise Motivation
Motivation may be the trickiest part of a new exercise routine. It’s easy to be motivated when you first start out. But, after a few weeks (or even days), that motivation can start to dwindle. However, you’re not going to give up! Try sticking to a simple routine that is relatively short. Then, you can gradually build up your time
When you’re feeling low on motivation, try using some affirmations to get yourself back on track. Just a few minutes of positive self-talk can make all the difference in your mindset and how you approach your workout. These affirmations also work great on a vision board!
- I am motivated to exercise because I love my body and I want to take care of it.
- I appreciate my body for all it does for me, and exercise is one way to show that appreciation.
- I enjoy feeling healthy and fit, and exercise helps me achieve that.
- I am consistent with my exercise routine
- Even when I don’t feel like it, I still exercise because I know it’s good for me.
- I always make time for exercise because it is important to me.
- I am patient with myself as I improve my fitness level.
- I make exercise a priority in my life.
- I am worth the effort it takes to exercise regularly.
- I am strong enough to stick to my exercise routine.
- I can do anything I set my mind to, including exercise.
- I am capable of making changes in my life, and that includes exercising more.
- It’s never too late to start exercising, and I’m starting today.
- I am never too busy to make time for a healthy lifestyle, including exercise.
Do you struggle with gym anxiety or staying motivated with a workout routine? You’re definitely not alone! But remember, affirmations can help. Give some of these a try next time you need a little extra boost. And, before you know it, working out will become a regular (and enjoyable) part of your life!