How to Find Motivation to Work Out by Understanding Your Learning Style

8 Strategies to Boost Motivation in the Different Learning Styles

If you are reading this, there is a strong likelihood that you have attempted to start a workout routine at some point in your life–or several points in your life. This urge to start exercising usually originates after a boost of motivation. As time passes, you slowly start to taper off of your program. This leads to shame and the easy decision to give up. You know that working out is good for your mind and body, but you still give up.

Why is it so difficult to continue a workout habit?

Human beings find strong motivation through their intrinsic values and the personal rewards that they can receive.

In other words, you choose to do things because they are satisfying and fun. Using intrinsic values is beneficial because you can rely on yourself to do something instead of relying on outside pressure to force you to do something.

Keeping this in mind, your workout routine might not be an activity that your subconscious deems to be satisfying and fun. Once your body starts to feel sore and uncomfortable, your mind might label exercise a punishment. At this point, you cannot depend on your intrinsic values and personal reward system to keep you going.

Learning styles and motivation

Being that I am a teacher, part of my education program focused on the idea that there are multiple types of learners in the classroom. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to educating multiple minds in a single space. The way we process information and become motivated by new material differs from person to person. So, we learn how to teach to various learning styles.

With this in mind, there is a connection between your learning style and your basic intrinsic motivations.

Overview of the learning styles

VARK is a popular acronym in education. It outlines the 4 essential learning styles.

• V: Visual Learner
• A: Aural (auditory) Learner
• R: Reading/Writing Learner
• K: Kinesthetic Learner

If you are interested in discovering what learning style you prefer, here is a questionnaire you can take from VARK’s website!

Finding motivations that match your learning style

There is a direct tie between understanding your learning style and your success in new endeavors.

“A learning style is an individual’s approach to learning based on strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. And knowing yourself as a learner is important if you want to achieve to the best of your ability. … By examining your learning style, you’ll become aware of how your brain learns best.”

-Dr. Michael W. Kirst, Professor Emeritus of Education and Business Administration at Stanford University

Applying your learning style motivations to start working out

VISUAL LEARNER

If you are a visual learner, you process information best by seeing images. When trying to remember or understand something, you prefer to use your sight. You need to visualize what you are doing and learning.

Work out motivations that work for visual learners:

1. Take before and after photos
2. Chart out your exercise plan with maps/diagrams
3. Detect patterns in your workouts
4. Wear colors that promote productivity boost (Color Psychology)
5. Watch inspiring or information videos
6. Post encouraging posters, messages, and pictures for daily reminders
7. Create a vision board
8. Design a journal with visual evidence

AURAL (auditory) LEARNER

If you are an aural learner, you process information best by listening. You prefer to take in information through sound. Your mind retains and understands audible information effectively.

Work out motivations that work for aural learners:

1. Listen to inspiring podcasts and videos
2. Join an online group discussion to verbalize your goals
3. Create accountability with someone where you discuss your progress
4. Record your voice for an audio journal
5. Build a motivational playlist
6. Join live classes online or at your local gym where you can communicate
7. Listen to motivational self-help audiobooks
8. Find a workout partner that is welcome to open conversation

READING/WRITING LEARNER

If you are a reading/writing learner, you process information by using the traditional methods of reading and writing down information. You prefer to learn through the composition and processing of words. You tend to take detailed notes and find clarity through printed words.

Work out motivations that work for reading/writing learners:

1. Create lists of what you are going to focus on (yoga poses, gym machines, cardio classes, etc.)
2. Find a journal to record your progress creatively
3. Read informational books or articles that inspire
4. Track progress with fitness/work out diary
5. Write out positive post-it notes
6. Use the SWOT Analysis Method (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to reflect on your progress
7. Create a fitness blog and write about your experience
8. Display meaningful quotes in a variety of places

KINESTHETIC LEARNER

If you are a kinesthetic learner, you process information by moving your body and getting hands-on experience. You learn through the sense of touch and manipulating materials. You do not like sitting still, and you prefer to participate in what you are learning about.

Work out motivations that work for kinesthetic learners:

1. Learn while working out. Since you learn best while moving, listen and learn about new, interesting concepts during your workout.
2. Keep your workout routine fresh. You get bored easily, so continue to try new fitness activities.
3. Meditate to combat your short attention span and boredom.
4. Use all 5 senses during the workout to keep you focused. (Sight, smell, sound, taste, touch)
5. Download fun apps to turn your workouts into a game
6. Join online or in-person workout competitions and challenges
7. Create a backup workout routine or randomly generate exercises
8. Video yourself working out and rewatch to improve your techniques

It is important to understand how your brain works and to find methods that energize your intrinsic values and personal reward system. Your brain might not want to associate working out with pleasure, but you can trick your mind to enjoy fitness. If you can combine your natural motivations with exercise, you are habit stacking to support the new routine.

Take advantage of your learning style behaviors and finally– go get sweaty.

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