If you're just starting an exercise routine, or are headed for a slump, here are five ways to keep your motivation at an all-time high

Date:   4/30/2021 10:49:42 PM ( 3 y ago)

The act of losing weight is sometimes easier than mustering up the will to exercise. People are more likely to take comfort in the planning and research phase of a new health routine than actually doing the work. There's no doubt that a healthy lifestyle is plenty of work, but people do it all the time. If you're just starting an exercise routine, or are headed for a slump, here are five ways to keep your motivation at an all-time high.

Be Honest With Yourself

Exercise only becomes a chore when you don't enjoy the type of activity you're doing. Before starting a new plan, or to revamp the one you're already in, you need to be completely honest with yourself. What type of exercise do you like the most? If you're a runner or cyclist deep down, why would you sign-up for a yoga class? To remain motivated every day, your heart needs to be in it 100%. Don't worry about doing the latest fad in exercise or the same thing that everybody else is doing. If your passion is hiking, swimming or even square dancing, do what makes you happy and the motivation will come from within.

Set Realistic Goals

One of the biggest mistakes people make when working out is setting lofty goals. When they realize they can't accomplish what they wanted, all will to exercise comes to a halt. This all-or-nothing mentality is one of the worst ways to sabotage what could have been a healthy routine. For instance, pressuring yourself to lose five pounds per week is unhealthy and almost impossible. Another example would be if you're anticipating results too quickly from a diet supplement. Research online Thrive reviews so you know exactly what to expect. Setting realistic and informed goals keeps you motivated and prevents disappointment.

Pick a Good Workout Time

Choosing what time to exercise isn't as important as the quality of the workout. If you're not a morning person, getting up at 5:00 am will only last so long. There's nothing wrong with exercising during lunch, in the late afternoon or early evening. Be sure to carve out enough time to change into your gear, do your workout and shower without having to rush. Exercising when you feel stressed about a deadline will only hinder your progress. Keep in mind that while exercising frequently is best, it doesn't have to be every day and you can always extend your workout on the weekend.

Have an Exercise Buddy

While some people are perfectly content exercising by themselves, there's no one there to motivate you if you have an off-day. Making the commitment to workout with a friend allows them to give you a pep talk when needed and vice versa. It also means someone will be there to keep you company and celebrate your milestones. Having an exercise companion is also a good idea if you walk or run and don't have the social interaction that's available at the gym or in a fitness class.

Find a Way To Reward Yourself

Everyone likes to be rewarded for a job well done and if you can find a way to reward yourself for keeping your promise to exercise, it's a wonderful motivator. Calorie-free rewards you might consider could be a new book, updated athletic apparel or a pedicure. You could also treat yourself to different workout music that will keep you even more motivated. Try to keep rewards at a minimum such as once per week or every month. That way you'll work even harder to make your way to the next prize.

Any new workout routine is started with the best of intentions. To keep yourself motivated, make sure you set achievable goals by doing an activity you truly love. Finding an exercise buddy and rewarding yourself for your accomplishments will allow you to enjoy every minute of your fitness journey.

Popularity:   message viewed 284 times
URL:   http://www.curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2439525

<< Return to the standard message view