6 Tips to stay motivated to work out
1. Remember why you started:
When you FIRST decided to start workout out, what was the reason?
Was it to lose fat?
was it to decrease your Cholesterol levels?
Was it to prepare to rock a bikini on an upcoming vacation?
Was it to better keep up with your busy family?
Was it because of how much you love it, and how great it makes you feel?
Whatever the reason, there WAS a reason you got started. NEVER stop reflecting back to those initial thoughts that made you start with fitness in the first place. It was important enough to you to get started when you had no clue what you were doing, and it is just as important for you now. Remember, even if you've met your goals, you won't maintain them if you stop!
2. Ask yourself "will I regret skipping this workout":
If your plan consists of 5 workouts a week, and it's Friday and you've only completed two...how do you feel? If you skip this Friday's workout cause you just don't feel like it, there will be no way you will reach your goal by the end up Sunday (unless I suppose you double up one day, which I don't recommend) How do you feel when you make that decision? Even if you are well on your way to reaching your longer term goals, it feels like you failed when you don't achieve your weekly goals. You made a deal with yourself to get it done, and you can't help but feel like you've let yourself down. So before you throw in the towel, think first about how you will feel Saturday morning (and maybe remind yourself of all the other times you got it done when you didn't want to, and how great you felt when you were done)
3. Try a group fitness class:
If you have been working out at home, by yourself, or running outside, anything solitary, it can be more relaxing, less pressure, and more convenient. There's no doubt though, being surrounded by a class full of other people who a working their asses off increases the energy output of the entire room! Friendly competition and the motivation of others can give you just the motivation that you need to take it up a level! Not only that, but when you start to meet "group fitness friends" you will find that you look more forward to seeing your friends even more than you enjoyed the workout, and that will keep you consistent (and you'll surely hear about it when you skip class)
4. Workout with people who cheer you on:
Start your fitness journey with a friend who has the same goals. Like above, setting goals with others keeps you accountable, and a little push from other people along the really helps. ESPECIALLY when they understand your current situation. You will have another to celebrate achievements and to discuss and work thru challenges with (you'll notice that everyone has their moments of struggle)
5. Make a great playlist:
You MAY be like me, and prefer to workout in solitude for better focus, or with a good fitness podcast to learn while you train. You can never learn enough. BUUUUT most prefer an upbeat, motivational, make you wanna dance type of playlist to keep the energy high! Spend some time picking the PERFECT playlist (if you're like me and know NOTHING about music, ask for help on your social media, you will get tons of suggestions) Leave out any songs that you don't LOVE and only listen to it when you're working out. You will end up wanting to do your workout, just so you can listen to your feel good music!
6. Track your success:
NOTHING is more motivating than seeing the changes you planned for. Whether it be strength, weight loss, better blood work, or having your clothes fit better...seeing your hard work pay off will motivate the crap out of you! SO TRACK YOUR PROGRESS. Whatever it is that you are working on, write down where you are initially and compare as you go.
TIP: If the plan is fat loss, remember, the scale doesn't tell the whole story, ESPECIALLY if you are a beginner. Body re-composition is a beautiful thing, which will show HUGE changes in your shape, but maybe not even a pound difference on the scale!! Be sure to take photos and measurements, or use your favorite pair of jeans as your measuring stick :)
SOOOO, there you have it! My top tips for staying motivated when it comes to your workouts! Keep in mind, it's just GOOD FOR YOU! That should be enough, but when that mindset just isn't cutting it, this list will help :)
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