11 Signs You’re Not That Great at Working Out

Let’s face it — working out is hard. But getting motivated and inspired to actually get into clothes conducive to the activity you’re planning to do, then actually accomplishing it (however, big or small) can be equally challenging. Whether you’re an exercise virgin or getting back into it, it can be grueling.

But before you take a pass on the gym, or hit snooze, or go for drinks after work instead of to that Pilates class, you’re only prolonging the inevitable. You know what needs to get done and what needs to happen so if you want to start seeing results, you need to shift those perspectives and get your butt in gear — even if you think you’re bad at it. Remember: you are a priority.

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1 / 11

You straight up don’t enjoy it

The idea of working out doesn't exactly excite you — so actually doing it is even less enticing. So if it's not the gym, find something else you can stick with — be it a crossfit class, a HIIT-style bootcamp, yoga, spinning, barre, dance class, or even just walking with friends. Baby steps but eventually you'll find something that doesn't totally repulse you. In fact, you might learn to actually love it.

These tricks will make your workouts so much easier.

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2 / 11

You’re slightly terrified of the gym

We admit, the gym can be intimidating for many of us. Whether your body isn't where you want it to be — or you're inexperienced in a gym, what with all the machines, equipment, weights, not to mention the other members who seem to know exactly what they're doing — it can be daunting. So, like with everything else, you can ask a trainer or staff member to help you get started. But if you don't want that attention just yet, start with the cardio machines as they're pretty easy to use. Once you up your comfort level, you can move on to the free weights; find a quiet corner of the gym and start training by yourself.

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3 / 11

You expect to fail

You're bound to make mistakes and stumble and fumble and bumble along the way. And that's OK! Everyone fails. It's part of the journey. It's practically expected. But as long as you pick yourself back up and keep going instead of using it as excuse to quit, then you're all good.

Set your alarm and get the day started right. There actually are healthy benefits to getting up early.

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4 / 11

You hate doing cardio, it’s brutal

Running is hard and can take a toll on the knees (and feet and ankles and back, etc.) but baby steps, right? Speed walking still counts as cardio — and all steps count as activity. And once you are no longer huffing and puffing, maybe, just maybe, you can get yourself going for a light jog.

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5 / 11

You only want to do cardio

After that initial push, you become comfortable on that treadmill or elliptical or stationary bike or Zumba class. But additional weight training or some circuits or intervals will not only add to your routine but they can be done in less time — which means you can get out of the gym quicker.

Here are some other fitness trends you might want to try if you're in a cardio rut.

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6 / 11

You believe pushups were created by the devil

Pushups are seen as a good indicator of a person's physical condition, as it engages and tests all kinds of muscle groups. So you might be an excellent runner, a wicked tennis player or crush a Zumba class but if you can't do a pushup, you might not be working out as effectively as you think.

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7 / 11

The post-workout pain makes you not want to exercise ever again

That horrific feeling of your body basically screaming? Yeah, it sucks. That delayed onset muscle soreness is the pain and stiffness in our muscles that come hours, sometimes days, after that unfamiliar feeling of exercise. It's enough to make you never do it again — but you need to. The best treatment for reducing pain from DOMS is actually more exercise. Just a little lighter — though lots of water, ibuprofen, a massage and an epsom salts bath wouldn't hurt either. And don't forget to stretch!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Here's how to burn more calories during your work day. Yes, it can be done.

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8 / 11

You skip your workout when you’re too tired

That actually works against you since regular exercise not only boosts strength and endurance but helps the cardiovascular system run more efficiently. Even a walk or light workout a few times a week for 20 minutes will have you feeling more energized and, more importantly, less fatigued.

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9 / 11

You spend lots of time taking selfies during your workouts

If you're taking more selfies than actually getting any exercise in, that's not a good thing. But in order to track your progress, it's nice to see where you're starting, then establish a goal. So photos of your body from all angles — in the least amount of clothes you're comfortable wearing for your phone's purposes will serve you well. You can also track your measurements the old-school way, with a tape measure, but there's something more satisfying about seeing the changes.

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10 / 11

You’re discouraged by the number on the scale

Oh, the dreaded scale. But keep in mind it's not always about the number decreasing. If you're consistently working out, you're gaining muscle too. What's more telling is the inches you're losing, clothes fitting better, your increased energy, improved sleep quality, and just generally feeling healthier, happier and calmer. Forget the number.

RELATED: 11 natural remedies to help relieve anxiety.

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11 / 11

Your goals seem unachievable so you don’t even want to bother

It's a big deal, taking this step into the workout world. But once you do, it is the best feeling. Once you get past that third or fourth week, that make-or-break hump, something inside kind of just clicks and you'll be inspired to keep on going. And, hey, if you want to reward yourself with a new workout outfit or some pretty sneakers for what you've accomplished so far, go for it!

SEE ALSO: These celebrity fitness transformations will inspire you.

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