Trying to stay motivated to exercise is one of the biggest obstacles to maintaining a regular fitness routine. Believe me, I was in the same slump which is why I put on weight. I knew I had to turn things around and thankfully I have. Below are a few tips that I use myself to help stay motivated to workout.
Set Realistic Goals:
Really be honest with yourself when it comes to fitting in exercise. If you have plenty of free time in the evenings then set aside 30 minutes of cardio or strength training every evening. Or if mornings suit you better then make exercise a morning routine. By doing what is realistic for you, you won't feel the guilt of not exercising at all which can bring your motivation level way down.
Pick An Activity You Won't Become Bored With:
What really helps me stay on track is that I've picked two fitness activities I truly enjoy. One of them is running and the other is strength training using Gilad: Ultimate Body Sculpt Series - Cuts & Curves DVD series. I love the natural high I get when running and strength training targets all of my other muscle groups that I would neglect otherwise. Once you find activities you know will keep you interested, you will look forward to working out regularly.
Subscribe to Fitness Magazines:
Good fitness related magazines have great articles on topics of nutrition and exercise. The info you can learn from these magazines can be applied to your new fit lifestyle and will definitely relieve boredom. My favorite is Runner's World Magazine
Sign Up for Walk-A-Thons, Races:
These types of events are usually held all year for charity. You are not only doing yourself a favor but also for a good cause. They are fun and you get to meet all kinds of people. I participated in a 3k walk/run event with my mom and we had so much fun. It is a nice change of pace and gets you pumped up to want to participate in more.
Reward Yourself:
I have a growing wishlist I keep on Amazon.com. It is a good way to keep myself motivated because if I keep my fitness commitments, I reward myself with something off of my list.
Keep a Journal:
Writing in a journal (online or offline) is a good tool to keep you focused. This blog has helped me tremendously because I stay up to date with health and exercise topics.
Stay Educated:
Learning the why behind good nutrition and exercise is a never ending process for me. I enjoy learning how the healthy choices I make benefit my over all well being.
These are just some of the motivational tips that I use often. However, loving yourself should be your biggest motivation of all!
