One of the hardest parts of working out is getting started. I remember working 8 or more hours a day and commuting for one hour in rush-hour traffic. The last thing I felt like doing after a long day was exercising. Yet, when I didn’t exercise, I was always sluggish and I gained a lot of weight in the process. You are probably finding yourself in a similar situation. How do we get motivated enough to exercise?
Well, like most things we do in our lives, if it is something fun and something that we look forward to we will have no problem doing it. Therefore, we need to find ways to make exercise fun and ways to keep our motivation levels up. Below are 10 ideas that you may find helpful and inspire you to try fitness.
1. Get fitness minded – Even if you are out of shape, it doesn’t mean you can’t be into health and fitness. Begin acting as if you are fitness fanatic. The more you get enthused about fitness, the more you will want to do it.
2. Subscribe to top fitness magazines – You need to surround your home with fitness material. When you have health related magazines around that you can read in your spare time, not only will you learn a thing or two, you may even become inspired by the people featured in the magazines.
3. Join communities online – There are so many different fitness communities online from bodybuilders to runners, there is a forum that will match your interests. Participate and communicate with other fitness-minded people.
4. Find a cause – There are many good causes that you can participate in throughout the year. Many are fitness related such as walking or running for 3k’s or 5k’s. Train and participate. You’ll be motivated to help out.
5. Start a group – Do you know others who are struggling with motivation? Start a walking, running, biking or other fitness related club. Schedule meet-ups and workout together to help motivate each other.
6. Buy workout clothes – Clothes can change our moods and when you put on workout clothes, it can get you in the mood to workout even if it’s for a short walk.
7. Set small goals – Set simple goals such as working out 3 times per week. When you meet that goal, reward yourself with something cool like going to a movie or a new pair of shoes.
8. Blog it – Many people find tons of motivation from starting a blog about their fitness. It helps keep you accountable and you meet other people who are in the same situation.
9. Create playlists – Nothing gets me pumped up to exercise like good music. I make various playlists and upload to my mp3 player. Music can be a great motivator.
10. Hire a trainer – If you can budget it, personal trainers are excellent in terms of motivation. They keep you accountable and teach you different methods of exercise.
Motivation can come from everywhere, however, some of the best motivation comes from communicating with others who have fitness goals they are working towards as well.
I recommend opening a FREE account in the Team Beachbody Club. You will have have access to the support, motivation, and tools you need to reach your fitness goals. Sign up for free by visiting: http://whole9fitness.com/beachbody-club/
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These are really good tips. I’m (still) struggling to lose the baby weight from my twins that are now 6. My excuse I’m sure is the same as many others that I have no time, but not having time didn’t stop me from putting the weight on. I am tracking my progress which seems to help along with setting small, reasonable goals. I also am walking the kids to school every morning that I can (usually 3 days minimum). Thanks again for the additional tips and validating some of what I am already doing.
Some really good points here. In addition, I like to use the mirror as motivation. Seeing some progress after the initial enthusiasm wears off can keep you going. If you are eating well, the combination can be powerful and it won’t even take that long for you to see some great results!
James Reno
Make a big sign and place it where you exercise. It should say:
Treat Yourself to Extra Oxygen.
That’s what exercise does. And, as oxygen sustains life, this should be a Big motivator.
i agree — working out as a group is THE way 2 go!!! I recently started working with a group of ladies that do the MM21 workout (Marta Montenegro-Sobefit Mag)….it was been so so great! The bonding, the working out! SO fantastic!
Great article. Music is one of the best ways that I keep motivated and stick to my workouts. I create updated playlists weekly to keep things fresh.
Another important part of becoming and staying motivated is to brainstorm how exercise will benefit you. It can be easier to stay on task when you remind yourself how it is helping you.
Nice articles and nice tips.
My “tip” is forum, i like writing on forums and share experiences and tips and watchto other people diary. It keep us motivated and feel less lonely.
All very sound advice. Also getting a friend or two to attend the gym or a class with you can be a good motivator, then you have someone to talk about it with and drive eachother’s enthusiasm. Also helps as you can have a laugh about any mishaps after they might occur
And, when you start to lose weight and feel healthier for your routine, that is a motivator in itself!
Ros
Good article with good tips. For me, to have maximal motivation I must have competitions. For example, at this moment I’m training for the Lisbon marathon on April, but this month I’ll have a half marathon to see ‘how I am’…
Another thing that help me is training in group, I love it.
Rui
Some very good tips here, thank you.
I run several exercise groups and the one thing that I emphasise is that exercise must be a habit. The easiest way to get this habit is to meet with others at the same time each day/week. Once it is built into your mind then you arrive without thinking. Anything which stops you attending your regular session is then seen as an unwanted sidetrack.
As mentioned above, one other person to exercise with is not enough because you then rely on that person’s problems being resolved. A group will always have company there for you.