If getting active and staying healthy was easy, everyone would be doing it. Isn’t that the truth! If you’re like the majority of people it’s pretty easy to talk yourself out of exercising.
It’s hard to summon the energy to take a walk or hit the gym after a long day at work. It’s also hard for many of us to fit a single workout into our busy lives, let alone 3 to 5 a week! But the right attitude and a few foolproof tips could be exactly what you need to get back on track.
If you’re having trouble starting an exercise routine…
Find Your Motivation
Before you step on that treadmill or pick up those weights figure out your motivation. Regardless of the reason make sure you remind yourself of it often. If you lose sight of the “why” it’s easy to break habits and push it to the bottom of your priorities list.
Have the Right Attitude
Doing something is better than doing nothing when it comes to exercising. So banish that “all or nothing” attitude. Do what you can do and do it consistently. You can improve your form or your PR later once you’ve gained some traction.
Start Small & Realistic
Start where you are, not where you want to be. If you overwhelm yourself right off the bat you’re more likely to give up altogether. If you’re not a runner don’t sign yourself up to run a marathon next week. Instead, sign up for a 5k six months from now so you have time to work up to your goal.
Set Deadlines
It’s great to have goals but having a goal without a deadline is just a dream. Deadlines give you accountability especially if you have to “prove” yourself at that deadline. Sign up for a race or competition for added motivation.
Track Your Progress
Keep a journal of your progress or take progress pictures along the way. This is a great way to see how far you’ve come and also a great way to motivate yourself on days when you aren’t so gung-ho about your workout.
Buy New Gear
Who doesn’t love showing off a new purchase? Whether it’s a new yoga mat, water bottle, or cute workout tank, you’ll love that little boost of confidence that a new item can provide.
If you’re having trouble staying motivated…
Mix It Up
There’s nothing more boring than doing the same thing day in and day out. And if you’re bored it’s easier to make excuses for not showing up. Try a new class at the gym. Sign up for a pick-up or intramural league of a sport you like. Add a new machine into your circuit. Get creative!
Team Up
If you’re bored with your workout bring a friend or join a fitness community. Working out with others creates accountability… and gives you the opportunity to catch up or meet new people. Try searching www.meetup.com for people and groups in your community looking for like-minded individuals.
Make It a Habit
If you find yourself skipping workouts for whatever reason try forcing yourself into a habit. If you carve out the time in your schedule at the same time every day for exercise you’ll eventually come to build your plans around your workouts. Just like how you do with your favorite tv show…
Ditch the Guilt Trip
So what if you missed a week at the gym and polished off a pint of ice cream last night? Even the most devoted among us fall off the fitness wagon from time to time. Leave the guilt in the past because it’s definitely not doing you any good in the present. You have a chance to get back into your routine today so take it!
Meal Prep
This might seem like a strange tip since we’re talking about exercise, but if you meal prep healthy foods you’ll feel more motivated, not to mention have more time and energy, to do your workout. Double win!
Commit To Ten
Not in the mood to workout? Just do 10 minutes. Chances are once you start you’ll keep going. And if not… well, at least you got 10 minutes in!
Listen Up
Music can get you in the mood (to workout, of course!) like nothing else. Make an amazing playlist full of your favorite songs to get your heart pumping and your feet moving. Or try an audiobook – but limit listening to when you are working out. It’ll be easy to get through your workout when you are distracted by the action and characters. Plus you might get in a few extra minutes because you just have to know what happens next!
Stick With What You Like
This might seem obvious but make your workout consist mostly of exercises you actually like doing. It’s so much easier to blow off your workout if you hate running and your workout is just an hour of… running!
Pay Yourself
Here’s an unconventional idea… pay yourself to work out. It can be as simple as giving yourself a dollar each time you go to the gym or give yourself more money for harder or longer workouts. Save up until the end of the year and take a mini vacation or splurge on that new bag! The more you go the more you’ll “make”!
Celebrate Achievements
Remember to treat yourself! You’re accomplishing great things and changing your body for the better. Reward your hard work with a trip to the masseuse or pick up those jeans (in a size smaller than normal!) you’ve been eyeing at the store. Congrats to you!
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