Although its well-known we should be doing it, intertwining exercise into our lifestyles may not be occurring for various reasons or excuses. Whether based on a fear of failing, lack of support, or busy schedule, the desire to even start working out may fall short. And considering motivation is literally the desire to do and achieve things, how can you motivate yourself to workout? Balance by bistroMD is offering eight ways and tips!
How to Get Motivated to Workout
1. Find Your Purpose
We all know that we should workout, but we might not all understand why we should be working out. In fact, everyone’s “why” varies between one another. To obtain highest motivation, reflect on what working out means to you, including the desire to run around with grandkids in years to come or simply maintaining independence throughout the lifespan. During the journey and on difficult days, continually remind and ask yourself why you started.
2. Make an Inspiration Board
After defining your purpose, construct an inspiration board filled with personal motivators and these motivational quotes. Keep the board in a commonly used area, including at your work desk, in-home office, or on the refrigerator. Also place sticky notes on mirrors to boost daily motivation, as continuously being inspired can continuously keep you motivated to reap the “why” benefits of working out!
3. Keep A Positive Attitude
Certain situations can pose astronomically stress, that is inevitable. But rather than adhering to the stress, escape it and take out aggression at the gym. Resetting the mind and maintaining a positive attitude is valuable in all circumstances and more times than not, your mood is boosted following a workout!
4. Surround Yourself in A Positive Group
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” supplies great motivation in all regards, including workouts. Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on while pushing you to your greatest potential, as that notorious “peer pressure” has actually been shown to be encouraging. Working out in group classes can also propel you to give it your all!
5. Identify and Offer Rewards
While you may feel obligated to work out, it is important to honor your hard work. In addition to the ultimate reward of weight loss and health, keep yourself motivated with other rewards. Remember those running pants you eyeballed last week or the fitness tracker you have always wanted? Add a dollar in a jar for each time you work out and once the monetary amount has reached the rewards’ value, treat yourself – you have very well earned it!
6. Keep A Journal
Whether negative or positive, document feelings prior to and following workouts. If resistant towards a workout, write down why you might be dreading it and after its been tackled, explain current feelings. More times than not, you will feel much better following the workout. And if or when feeling reluctant, reread how you felt after you completed the workout, as you may feel extremely motivated to feel that way again! Tracking your progress can also keep you motivated towards your goals.
7. Continue to Challenge Yourself
Although the common workout goal is generally towards weight loss or maintaining total health, continue to challenge yourself. Even if after meeting a weight loss goal, create other goals such as running a faster mile pace, lifting a heavier weight, or swimming a lengthier distance. Pushing the boundaries you perceive as your own limitations can only enhance not only your workout performance, but an enhanced perception of self-worth and life quality.
8. Sign A Contract
Though it still requires personal efforts to make it to the gym, signing a formal contract may obligate your drive to get there. While you cannot really put a price on good health, a recurring monthly or annual gym fee may motivate you more towards its use!
