Getting motivated to exercise isn’t always easy. A lot of people across the globe face the daily struggle of wanting to go to the gym yet feeling a total lack of motivation to actually follow through. Getting up and making it happen feels like the end of the world sometimes when all you want to do is curl up in a ball on your bed.

Laying down on the sofa watching Netflix and snacking on your favorite foods is always going to feel more comfortable than putting your body through an intense workout routine and making yourself sweat… But the facts are that most people never regret a workout! Something that most people do regret though? We all regret wasting an entire day away on the couch doing nothing! There are a few super smart and incredibly simple things that we can all do when we need to feel motivated to exercise.

1. Take a moment to close your eyes and think about that tight dress or bikini you really want to wear

Grabbing your laptop and opening a tab to your favorite online boutique might be helpful. You can start by dragging all of the cute things that you want to wear into your shopping cart. Knowing that all the bikinis, dresses, and other pieces of super cute clothes you’re eying might not look great on you at this juncture will help motivate you to get yourself into the right physical shape. When you do, you’ll be free to purchase all the items in your shopping cart with pure confidence.

2. If you go hard while exercising, you have a bit of leeway to eat something you’ve been craving

Most of the time, people who are trying to make a change in their health and appearance will pair an exercise plan with a healthy diet plan. Healthy diets don’t often include greasy foods like pizza and fries, or sugary treats like ice cream and donuts.

Dieting isn’t typically fun because it can feel restrictive. The good news is that when you burn enough calories during a workout, it gives you a small bit of leeway to enjoy something you’ve been craving! Let’s be real. Running on the treadmill for an hour every morning means that you deserve to treat yourself every once in a while.

3. You can make it a social event

Most things are more fun with friends, family, significant others, and loved ones around! If you can invite a friend or two to exercise with you, it can change the dynamic of the entire situation. Exercising alone can feel like you’re forcing yourself to overcome the biggest obstacle in life, completely alone.

When you invite a friend or two to join you, it suddenly doesn’t feel so daunting anymore. Working out with someone else is a good idea because you can make things very competitive by challenging each other to reach fitness goals by certain dates. It’s all about accountability when you join forces with someone else who’s on the same page about fitness goals.

4. Stock up on the cutest gym gear and the most fashionable fitness clothing

It’s important to invest in ourselves. Getting cute gym clothing and fitness gear is one of the easiest ways to get motivated to hit the gym! No one wants to feel like they’ve wasted their money, after all. If you spent money on cute water bottles, resistance bands, and other gym necessities, you’re going to want to put them to use.

If you invest in new sneakers, leggings, and sports bras, you’re not going to want these items to sit in your closet collecting dust. You’re going to want to put them on and wear them out to exercise. One of the most fashionable fitness lines right now is Fabletics. Kate Hudson co-founded the brand and Demi Lovato has a limited edition activewear collection there as well.

5. Follow social media pages of fitness gurus that inspire you

Last but not least, it’s a good idea to follow social media pages of fitness gurus you consider inspirational and motivational. There are plenty of personal trainers, coaches, instructors, and health influencers to follow. Sometimes they post inspirational quotes that remind you it might be time to get up and exercise!

Other times they’ll post healthy recipes that encourage you to follow a healthy diet. Fitness influencers might even post tutorials showcasing exercise moves that target certain body parts like abs, booty, or legs! Some of the most inspirational Instagram influencers right now include @MadFit.ig, @MolsInspire, @Ulissesworld, and @Michelle_lewin.