5 Ways To Stay Motivated To Workout
You might probably have a lot of reasons why you want to work out. And these reasons what keeps you going. However, in the long run, it's becoming difficult to stick with your workout routine. It's hard to ignore that little voice that says "I'll just do that tomorrow or the other day."
When this happens, it can be hard to follow through on your plan to make it to the gym and prioritize fitness. If you're struggling to stick with your weight loss or exercise program, we have compiled a list of ways to help you stay motivated and on track to meet your fitness goals.
1. Set A Clear and Realistic Goal
Define your "Why" you have to work out and set a realistic goal that includes a clear milestone on how you can achieve it. It could be a goal to fit into that bikini by the annual beach vacation or that old pair of jeans buried in your closet. Whatever it is, define it, write it down and revisit it daily. Also, keep in mind that losing weight isn't always a spectacular process and there are no shortcuts. If you're frustrated that your body hasn't changed, don't give up. That is why you have to set a realistic goal and give your body the time it needs to respond to what you're doing. It may take weeks, often months before changes start to show.
2. Track Your Progress
One of the ways to keep you motivated is to see improvements in what you are doing and look back on how far you've come. It could be an improvement in how fast you can run now, doing more reps, or working out more often. So make a chart of your workout to make you want to keep going. Or a simple calendar of the workouts you've done as it will give you something tangible you can happily flip through. Another way to help you stay on track is weighing yourself regularly, taking measurements, getting your body fat tested, or even doing your own fitness and endurance tests. These will give you the extra push you need to get moving.
3. Look For Variety And Fun
As a human, we are sometimes motivated by new changes and variety. We are looking for something that we can have fun. So why not hit two birds with one stone. Bundle your workout with an activity you want to do - activities you truly enjoy and look forward to doing, and can even make you forget you're working out. You can be engaged in dancing, hula hooping, or playing sports with family and friends, or anything that will help solve willpower problems and help you get into a workout groove.
4. Find Your Fitness Tribe
You may want to exercise alone at first but it will come a time that you will desire someone with who you can share some laughs, high fives, and words of encouragement. Having a fitness buddy may just be the thing that helps you get over an exercise slump. It’s easy to hit the snooze button when it’s just you, right? But it is much harder to leave a friend waiting at the track. You may also consider joining a social networking site or online community with fitness trainers and nutrition experts. Surround yourself with people that help build your confidence as much as your strength.
5. Reward Yourself - You Deserve It
It is normal that we get excited to do things when there is a reward. So why don't you do it to yourself to keep motivated? It will make you more excited about exercise when you have a reward planned for yourself at the end of the week. Make the benefits of working out more tangible. Rewards can be in the form of a cheat day meal or new workout clothes you’ll love, or by treating yourself to a massage. There's nothing that feels better than finishing up a week's worth of workouts followed by a relaxing massage. You can also just do this at home using Medcursor Massage Products. This will make you feel good about yourself while reaping the benefits of exercise. It increases the odds the routine becomes a habit.