Simple Techniques on How to Stay Motivated with Your Workouts (Even on the Hard Days)

I’ll be honest…I don’t wake up every day bursting with energy, ready to work out. Some mornings I’d rather stay curled up with my coffee than roll out my mat. But here’s what I’ve learned: the days when I feel the least motivated are often the days I need movement the most. And without fail, once I start, I finish feeling lighter, stronger, and grateful that I showed up for myself.

That’s the real secret…showing up anyway.

Whether you’re just beginning your Pilates journey, a busy professional balancing endless to-dos, or a parent juggling family schedules, finding the drive to press “play” on a workout can feel challenging. But staying consistent is what brings lasting change.

Here are my favorite strategies and simple techniques for how to stay motivated to exercise…whether it’s Pilates, strength training, or simply showing up for a walk.

1. Remember How You’ll Feel After

Motivation doesn’t always show up before you begin…it often shows up after. Every single time I’ve pushed past resistance and rolled out my Pilates mat, I’ve ended a workout feeling amazing. Tired sometimes, yes, but also proud, centered, and strong.

✨ Quick tip: The next time you’re debating whether to skip your workout, pause and ask: How will I feel after I move? That reminder is often enough to get you started.

2. Take It One Step at a Time

When I first began filming my live Pilates classes during the pandemic (what eventually grew into my TONEpilates OnDemand library), there were days I didn’t feel like teaching. I was unmotivated, drained, and honestly tempted to skip. But I knew my community was counting on me to show up…not just for myself, but for them. I didn’t want to let them down, and I didn’t want to let myself down either.

So I took that first step…turning on the camera, rolling out the mat, breathing through the first exercise. And here’s the truth: by the end of class, I always felt amazing. And I knew they did too. Every single time.

✨ Quick tip: Don’t think about the entire workout. Just commit to the first step: changing into your workout clothes, opening the OnDemand app, or pressing “play” on a 15-minute class. Momentum builds once you begin.

3. Create Accountability

Accountability keeps you consistent. During the pandemic, knowing people were logging in from their homes kept me showing up day after day. It wasn’t just about keeping myself motivated…it was about lifting others up too. That energy goes both ways: when you show up for your community, they help you show up for yourself.

✨ Quick tip: Schedule workouts into your calendar like any other appointment. Or tell a friend you’ll check in after class. Having someone count on you makes it harder to back out.

4. Make Workouts Accessible

You don’t need hours or fancy equipment to feel the benefits of exercise. With OnDemand, you can choose a quick mat Pilates class, a Pilates ball session, or a resistance loop workout that fits your schedule. Consistency is more powerful than intensity.

✨ Quick tip: Save your favorite short workouts to a playlist. Keep your mat visible so there’s no barrier to starting.

5. Reframe Exercise as Self-Care

Workouts aren’t punishment…they’re self-care. When you reframe Pilates or daily exercise as a way to recharge, reset, and reconnect with your body, it becomes something you look forward to, not dread.

✨ Quick tip: Instead of saying, I have to work out, shift to, I get to move my body today. Notice how different that feels.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, motivation will always ebb and flow. None of us feel inspired every single day, and that’s okay. What matters most is building the habit of showing up. Whether it’s rolling out your mat for Pilates, pressing play on an OnDemand video, or simply going for a walk, movement rewards you with energy, strength, and confidence you didn’t have before.

And here’s what I know for sure: showing up for yourself…and for others…will always leave you feeling better than when you started. Every. Single. Time.

So the next time you feel unmotivated, remember: take that first small step. Because 100% of the time, you’ll finish stronger, happier, and so glad you chose yourself.

✨ Ready to Feel Amazing?

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to start, this is it.

With TONEpilates OnDemand, you can roll out your mat anytime, anywhere—and choose from hundreds of classes designed for every level, schedule, and mood. Whether you’re a beginner, a busy professional, or a parent sneaking in 20 minutes of self-care, these workouts will leave you feeling energized, grounded, and proud of yourself.

👉 Start your free trial today ( https://www.tonepilatesstudio.com/ ) and experience how good it feels to show up for yourself.