12 Fitness Pros Share Their Tips For Staying Motivated

On the 10th day of the new year, even the best intentions to carry out your resolutions start dwindling. Chances are, for the past week and a half, you've been hitting the gym on the regular, determined to maintain consistent exercise habits all through 2017. That was until the second (first full) week of work started, and you've found yourself looking for excuses on why you can't make it to your spin class tonight. Before you know it, this one missed workout will result in another, and then a whole year.

With this in mind, we caught up with 12 pros, celebrity trainers, and studio owners, responsible for some of the best Hollywood bodies and buzziest workouts, to get the scoop on what keeps them motivated to keep up with their fitness resolutions. Ahead, prepare to be inspired to grab your sneakers today, and for the rest of the year.

Anna Kaiser, founder of AKT

Amazing music will always motivate me. If I’m feeling tired, I will play my favorite song of the moment, and that revs me up to put on a killer outfit, sneakers, and rock a cap to head into my workout. With that intense bass playing and my favorite, most flattering gear on, I will be energized and ready for almost anything. One of my favorite quotes is, “'I really regret that workout,' said by NO ONE EVER." I try to harness and remember how powerful I am going to feel after the workout to get me going. I also bargain with myself. Just try 15 minutes, and if you want to stop, fine!  By relieving the pressure, I can slowly build up my intensity and then there’s no stopping me.

Payal Kadakia, CEO and co-founder at ClassPass

Mixing up your routine is always a great motivator—I get inspired by variety and trying something new. There is nothing better than falling in love with a new studio or workout to keep you motivated on your fitness journey. One of the reasons we created ClassPass is to help people explore new fitness horizons and experience unique workouts. Working out is also time for me to focus on my mind and body. It helps me unwind, be creative, and continue to challenge myself to get stronger—I have begun to crave that time for myself!

Erin Oprea, celebrity personal trainer and author of The 4 X 4 Diet

Use any type of fitness tracker. It's not just about one hour of fitness but about being an active person all day. Who doesn't love a little competition amongst friends? When I see that other friends are inching up on my totals, that gets me outside jumping rope, walking the dogs, or jogging a few miles. I set my personal goal at 15,000 steps but urge myself to hit about 20k each day. This makes it a whole day affair instead of something that I just get out of the way each day.

Heather Anderson, founder, lead instructor, and executive director of New York Pilates

Putting my workouts into my calendar, like an important meeting, including travel time. Also really cute outfits :).

Mary Helen Bowers, founder of Ballet Beautiful

My workout motivation for 2017 is focusing on how a great workout and healthy lifestyle makes me feel, rather than worrying about how I look. I am motivated by knowing that working out, eating well, and taking good care of myself makes me feel energized, confident, and strong. A great workout is empowering—that's a gift I want to give myself, and others, every day!

Gabby Cohen, SVP of PR and Brand Strategy at SoulCycle

I try to move my body every day. And in January I find it nearly impossible to get out of bed (it's dark and cold) so instead of working out first thing in the morning, I move my workouts to the end of the day. I listen to my body but still get my groove on!

Astrid Swan, celebrity personal trainer and fitness expert

My number one tip that motivates me to work out this year is knowing that my workouts are for sanity first and vanity second. No matter what, I always feel better after my workout. I have more focus. I am calmer. I have a better attitude! Bonus: my body responding to the positivity of my mind. Clear your mind and gain the body!

Ashley Borden, celebrity trainer and fitness & lifestyle expert

Fitness is all mental. You're either your biggest cheerleader or your biggest sh*t talker. Limit the negative conversations and write down your plan so it's not just a lofty dream you want to achieve. Take small steps, practice positive thinking, and savor the small achievements along the way. 

Jennifer Bandier, founder of BANDIER.

My number one motivator has always been music. My top two songs right now are "OOOUUU" by YOUNG M.A and "Devastated" by Joey Bada$.

Emily Skye, global fitness expert

My number one tip for staying focused and motivated has always been visualization and goal setting. I like to set myself small goals that ultimately lead to my main goal. Then, I visualize how I'm going to achieve those goals. If I set myself small tasks to achieve, I find it a lot easier to accomplish goals that would otherwise seem too large and overwhelming.

Jen Selter, social media fitness influencer and creator of Jen Selter's Fitplan

Spend less time comparing yourself to others, and more time working toward being your best self.

Taryn Toomey, founder of The Class

Music. Changes. Everything. Make a motivating playlist. When you hear yourself saying "no," put in your headphones and turn it on.