Exercise again? With these 10 motivational tips you will go for it again!

1. Document your progress
Every time you have stepped out the door to burn yourself in the gym or go for a run you need to chart. Take a picture of yourself after each workout and place it in a photo album. Even better: hang the pictures on a wall. This gives you a quicker idea of ​​your results, which makes training even more fun! Of course you don't have to post everything on Instagram or Facebook. As long as you can keep it to yourself and check every improvement. It is also nice to see how many kilometers you have walked in the past. Tip: try our compression socks while running.

2. Find a soul mate

3. Treat yourself
Draw up a plan for yourself every time you have been allowed to reward yourself. After all, every session on the road or in the gym is a win and that is at least a pat on the back. If you absolutely love a series on Netflix, reward yourself by watching an extra episode after every workout. Or prepare your favorite (and protein-rich) meal as a reward. That way you can keep the fun going all the more, if you can keep yourself from watching all episodes in a row ...

4. Keep it fun
Exercise is tough, especially if you want to make constant progress. It is far from easy and there are plenty of people who do not like sports at all. Remember: the more results you get, the more fun it gets! Of course you can make the session a lot more enjoyable by grabbing your favorite music or listening to a good podcast / audiobook. Are you on the treadmill at the gym? Then use our compression stockings and put on earplugs so that you can not be disturbed with less fine songs that you hear on the radio. Before you know it you are an hour further!

TIP: Need cool running music? Check out our blog about the best running playlists of 2017!

5. Personal trainer
Hire a personal trainer! As you may know working out with a personal trainer is not really cheap, so if you refuse to go one day, you are actually throwing money. So what would you rather do: pay €50 for nothing or take that step to go for it? We made that choice quickly! In addition to finely documenting your progress, a personal trainer will give you enough motivational boosts and tips to give yourself that extra push.

6. And remember to start small
As we have described in other blogs, setting a goal is very important, but keep it realistic for yourself. Everything is possible, but the chances are small that you will lose 15 kilos of body weight in a month. Start small and take small steps towards your goal. That way it will also be fun for yourself! Chances are that when you have reached your goal, you have already made a new goal!

7. Buy new sportswear
Everyone knows the feeling that when you have bought a new t-shirt or pants you are completely happy again. This is no different with sportswear. It always feels good to step out the door in a new training outfit, a pair of brand new running shoes and running socks from STOX. If you're in a bit of a slump or you haven't felt like working out all week, stock up on some new gear and make it even more fun for yourself. :-)

8. Pre workout snack/shake
If you have had a (chaotic) working day, your battery is probably almost empty. Eating an entire meal before exercising is not a good idea, but an easily digestible snack or pre-workout shake can still give you the much-needed energy boost. More energy = more desire to exercise. Let's get it!

TIP: Need inspiration for a healthy snack before exercising? Then read this blog!

9. Sign up for a marathon or race
If it's hard to set a goal or if you've already dropped out four times, sign up for a competition. If you do running, you can, for example, register for the Amsterdam Marathon, or part of it. With this you have set a concrete goal with which you stimulate yourself even more to step out the door. Do take enough time to train for such a running competition to prevent injuries. You will notice, the kick of finishing a race is enormous!

10. Go to bed on time
This may be a no-brainer, but there are plenty of people who underestimate the importance of a good night's sleep! Eight hours of sleep a day is actually the norm, but unfortunately not everyone gets that. In any case, try to go to bed on time the day before you exercise. This way you will be a lot fitter the next morning and you will have more energy. Let's do this!

A few extra tips on what not to do!

1. Go home first
When you've had a tough (or even chaotic) working day, you prefer to plop down on the couch instead of exercising. Understandable and very recognizable… To prevent this, it is best to go to the gym immediately after work. You are probably ready for a nice hot meal, but if you really lack energy, we have a few light (and healthy) snacks for you.

2. Looking at others
Nothing is more de-motivating than constantly paying attention to that one person with a trained body or an infinite condition. Do. This. Not. By comparing yourself to others too much, you not only lose a mountain of motivation, there is a good chance that you will set goals that are completely unrealistic. It may have taken them years to have the body or condition they have now. Anyway, focus on yourself and on your own goals!

Long story short, time to get up and start working out! No buts, no buts, just do it! Do you know a few more motivational tips to go for it again? let us know!