20 Ways to Ensure Workouts Happen Every Day

POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

You sit in a car to commute to your desk job, where you sit for eight or more hours, only to continue the ever-popular tush time by sitting on your commute home. Of course, once there, you end up back on a chair at the dinner table and then plop your butt on the couch to binge on your latest Netflix addiction — no wonder sitting too much can take years off your life! That's why it's imperative that you make it a priority to move — here are 20 tips to help inspire you to get off your butt every single day.

01
Plan Ahead
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Plan Ahead

On Sunday, map out your weekly workout plan so you know exactly what you're doing each day. This saves time trying to decide, "Hmm, should I go for a run or do a workout at home?" Mix up your workout routine to keep you excited and have alternate plans for outdoor workouts in case it rains.

02
Make Workouts Nonnegotiable
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Make Workouts Nonnegotiable

Schedule workouts just as you would any other nonnegotiable important meeting. Tell coworkers and family members so they know you're unavailable during those times.

03
Pay in Advance
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

Pay in Advance

Sign up and pay for classes ahead of time — it's much harder to skip out when you know you've already shelled out $20 or more.

04
Prep Your Gym Bag
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Prep Your Gym Bag

Prep everything you'll need the night before, including your outfit, water bottle, and pre-workout snack.

05
Work Out in the Morning
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Work Out in the Morning

Get your workout done first thing in the morning so your busy schedule doesn't get in the way of it.

06
Make Time
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Make Time

If you're not a morning exerciser, wake up early to get 30 to 60 minutes of work done so you can steal away later during the day.

07
Sleep in Your Gear
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Sleep in Your Gear

To save time and motivate for morning workouts, wear part of your gear to bed, including wicking socks or shorts, and maybe your sports bra if it's not too tight. If you're already wearing it, you'll be less likely to skip out.

08
Start Your Day in Your Leggings
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Start Your Day in Your Leggings

Even if you're not working out first thing, wake up and put on your entire workout outfit including sneakers. You're more likely to make it happen if you're already dressed and ready to go.

09
Keep It Short
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Keep It Short

Be OK with a shorter workout — even 15 minutes is better than nothing! Maximize your time with these high-calorie-burning workouts.

10
Listen to Your Body
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Listen to Your Body

Some days you might not feel ready for the HIIT session you mapped out last Sunday. Be OK with less intense workouts. Even a relaxing stretch session counts as moving.

11
Try a Lunchtime Workout
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Try a Lunchtime Workout

Instead of taking a lunch break, hit the gym or take a class, then eat your lunch afterward while working (make sure it's already made so you don't have to waste time going to pick up lunch).

12
Set a Motivational Reminder
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

Set a Motivational Reminder

Set an alarm on your phone with a meaningful message such as "Busier people are already at the gym," "You know you'll feel better afterward," or "Today's choices are tomorrow's body."

13
Use the 5-Minute Rule
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Use the 5-Minute Rule

Follow the five-minute rule. Even on days when you're not feeling 100 percent, set your timer and go for five minutes — chances are that once you get moving, you'll be inspired to keep going.

14
Find a Fitness Buddy
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Find a Fitness Buddy

Find a consistent workout buddy. Committing to meet someone makes it much harder to skip out.

15
Make It a Habit
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Make It a Habit

Choose the same time to work out every day, and within a week or two it'll become a habit and something you look forward to instead of a chore.

16
Set Attainable Goals
POPSUGAR Photography | Ericka McConnell

Set Attainable Goals

Use specific and attainable goals to motivate you. They can be small, such as doing 20 push-ups every day, or large, like running a half-marathon.

17
Check It Off
POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart

Check It Off

Mark every workout in your calendar. Sometimes the satisfaction of seeing every day crossed off will motivate you to keep going for that week or that month.

18
Reward Yourself
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Reward Yourself

Reward yourself! Have a little something to look forward to after every workout, whether it's a hot shower with a new shampoo, a warm and cinnamony post-workout breakfast, or a new book to read on your rest day.

19
Share on Social
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

Share on Social

Share your workouts on social media. You'll be so surprised by all the positive feedback and encouragement that it's sure to motivate you on days when you feel like chucking your sneakers out the window. It may even serve as a source for helpful workout tips.

20
Don't Get Derailed by 1 Day Off
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Don't Get Derailed by 1 Day Off

Don't beat yourself up if you miss one day or maybe even half the week. Tomorrow is a new day, a chance to make a fresh start. So get right back on that exercise-every-day wagon.