Are You Struggling To Find the Motivation To Train?

If you’re finding it tough to stay motivated with your training, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. The end of summer, much like January, often brings that familiar feeling of sluggishness. After one too many BBQs and sangrias, it’s easy to feel like you’ve undone all the hard work you put in earlier in the year. Before you know it, the kids are back at school, the days are shorter, and you’re staring down the barrel of Christmas.

Sound familiar?

If you’re struggling to find focus or purpose in your workouts, the good news is that it’s easier to fix than you think. The solution starts with one simple step: setting yourself a performance goal.

Setting a Performance Goal Works

When stuck in a rut, we often don’t have a clear reason to train. You might have aesthetic goals, which is perfectly fine, but these can sometimes feel distant or abstract. Shifting your focus to something performance-based, like improving your strength or mastering a new skill, can provide a more immediate and tangible sense of progress.

“Setting a goal based on something physical you’d like to achieve can help you reach aesthetic goals more quickly,” explains Foundry Gym founder Jean Claude Vacassin. Instead of just aiming to “lose weight” or “get fit,” you could decide to work on a specific goal, such as hitting a new personal best on the squat rack, nailing your first pull-up, or running a 5k.

Having a performance goal gives your training a real sense of purpose and provides that extra push you need, especially as the mornings get darker and motivation becomes harder to come by.

Choose a Goal That Excites You

The beauty of performance goals is that they can be as big or as small as you like. And no, you don’t need to sign up for a marathon (unless that’s your thing!). Your goal could be gym-based, such as increasing the weight you lift, improving your endurance, or learning a new skill like an unassisted handstand.

There’s always something new to learn, and that’s where the fun of training comes in. At Foundry, we celebrate every goal our members achieve, whether big or small. Whether mastering a new technique or achieving a long-term target, these milestones keep your motivation and training on track.

Sign Up for a Challenge

Signing up for a challenge or race is the ultimate motivator for some. When you’ve committed to an event, you’re accountable to something beyond your usual gym routine. It could be anything from a local 5k race to a triathlon, a Tough Mudder, or a long distance walking challenge.

There are endless options, both inside and outside the gym, and these events can give you a goal to work towards, helping you stay consistent with your training. At Foundry, we’ve seen the power of challenges first-hand—members who set themselves a target are more likely to show up regularly, train harder, and feel a greater sense of achievement when they reach their goals.

Plus, the confidence boost is immeasurable when you complete a challenge you’ve been working towards. You’ll realise just how much you’re capable of, and that sense of accomplishment will keep you returning for more.

Consistency

Consistency is the secret sauce to long-term results. That’s why we run our accelerator programmes throughout the year at Foundry. These programmes are laser-focused and designed to help you set and achieve specific goals in a short, manageable time frame. Six weeks is the perfect time to stay committed without feeling overwhelmed, and it’s long enough to make real progress.

Not only do these programmes deliver impressive physical results, but they also help you build healthy habits and boost your confidence in the gym. And once you’ve established those habits, sticking with your training becomes easier, even when motivation starts to dip.

How to Stay Motivated in the Long Run

So, how do you stay motivated when the excitement of a new goal starts to wear off? Here are some tried-and-tested strategies to help you keep going, even on the tough days:

Train with Others

There’s strength in numbers. Training alongside like-minded people can boost your motivation, hold you accountable, and make your sessions more enjoyable. At Foundry, our group training environment creates a community atmosphere where everyone supports each other to push through challenges and celebrate successes.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

It’s easy to get discouraged if you’re not seeing instant results, but progress takes time. Focus on small, incremental improvements and trust that they’ll add up over time. Whether lifting a little heavier or running further, every step forward is a win.

Mix Up Your Routine

It might be time to shake things up if you feel like you’ve hit a plateau. Varying your workouts by incorporating new exercises or trying a different type of training can help keep things interesting and prevent boredom.

Reward Yourself

Achieving a goal, no matter how small is something worth celebrating. Treat yourself when you hit a milestone, whether it’s a new piece of gym kit, a massage, or simply acknowledging your hard work.

The Power of Accountability

One of the biggest reasons people struggle to stay motivated with their fitness is the lack of accountability. Setting goals, training with others, and working with a coach can make a huge difference. At Foundry, our Small Group Personal Training offers the perfect balance between personalisation and community. You’ll get the individual attention you need from expert coaches while also benefiting from the camaraderie and support of your fellow members.

Ready to Find Your Motivation Again?

If your training has been lacking focus, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to get back on track. The key is setting a goal, finding your fitness community, and staying consistent. Whether aiming for a performance milestone or just trying to get through the darker mornings, having something to work towards makes all the difference.

At Foundry, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our personal training coaches, supportive community, and structured programmes are designed to help you rediscover your motivation and enjoy the process of getting stronger, fitter, and healthier. So, what’s your next goal?

Ready to take the first step? Contact us today, and let us help you reignite your fitness journey.