The toughest is to keep yourself motivated enough to go for a workout when you actually do not want to. Well, it is all about building habits, finding the right strategies, and changing your mindset, so that it gets a little easier. Here are a few tips that should keep you motivated:
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals
(i).Set your goals small and realistic. Know what you can accomplish, and even that seems too hard, aim for ten minutes of exercise. Once you get moving, most of the time, you will find it easier to continue.
(ii).Split larger goals into smaller ones. For example, running a 5K might be your big goal, but first, begin running short runs on a regular basis. For these lesser accomplishments, one will end up feeling confident and keep at it.
2. Find an Exercise Buddy or Accountability Partner
(i).Having a friend to exercise with keeps you accountable. You tend to not blow off that workout as easily if you know someone is waiting on you for it.
(ii).Join an ongoing class or group. You will find yourself in a community environment, so it is easier to build a network of support and stay committed.
3. Create a Consistent Schedule
(i).Schedule exercising in your calendar just like you would any other appointment. Do it every morning or after your work, but schedule only one time.
(ii).Make an exercise routine that you could continue for a long time. Before you know it, it will become a habit.
4. Don’t Forget Your “Why
(i).Take back to mind why you started working out initially. For a healthier you, for stress relief, or for growing stronger, keeping the ‘whys’ in mind will keep you motivated.
(ii).Write down your goals and put them where you can easily see them. That way, anytime you catch a glimpse of them, you are reminded of exactly what made you want to get to that point.
5. Mix Things Up
(i).Over-training can cause boredom. Introduce new activities like dance, yoga, or swimming to mix things up and keep things interesting.
(ii).Try various workout formats or classes; this will also challenge your body in new ways and keep things exciting.
6. Reward Yourself
(i).Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Rewards can be anything you enjoy, like watching that favorite show after a workout or treating yourself to a smoothie.
(ii).Setting up a reward system helps you look forward to what’s coming and keeps you going.
7. Keep Track of Your Progress
(i).It’s simple to monitor your progress in a journal or through an app. Even small improvements, like increasing reps or times, are direct results of positive change.
(ii).Go back and look at your progress anytime you feel like giving up. It will remind you that all of your efforts and persistence indeed pay off, and it might get a little easier to push on.
8. Don’t be too hard on yourself
(i).It is perfectly fine to have days when you’re not feeling like working out. Everyone needs rest, and it’s the best way your body absorbs a workout, and taking time off prevents burnout.
(ii).Rather than worrying about what you’re missing out on, keep busy with what you’re getting done. You’ll be back in the swing of things even faster with a positive attitude.
Conclusions
These few tips, if inculcated into one’s routine, can turn the workout from a lesser burden into a habit you really enjoy. Remember, it is not perfection but the journey to fitness that matters; so be patient with yourself and appreciate every step forward!
