Exercising regularly is a really good way to staying healthy, and improving your physical and mental health, but if you aren’t the kind of person who naturally enjoys exercise, it can be difficult to find the motivation to keep it up despite its many benefits. That’s why we’ve put together a list of things that may help you to maintain your fitness motivation and keep exercising come what may…
Set yourself some goals
If you aren’t motivated by the simple fact that regular vigorous movement is good for your body and mind, then you may benefit from setting some additional goals to help you maintain your motivation levels.
Goals give you something to aim for and add purpose to your workouts, which means you are much more likely to keep up with them, So, whether you want to train to run a marathon in favor of a much-loved charity or master a martial art within the next 12 months, think about setting yourself an achievable goal (ideally one which can be broken down into lots of smaller goals to give you lots of little victories along the way) and get to work.
Make it fun
Yes, fitness really can be fun, and if you don’t enjoy it right now, chances are you just haven’t found the right activity to get your endorphins pumping and make you want more. So, instead of sticking with the blog at the gym or running for miles of misery, start exploring different ways of meeting your fitness goals. From mindful yoga sessions to sweaty, life-affirming dance sessions, there is so much more to keeping fit than punishing yourself in a gym (although if that’s your thing, go for it) and it’s just a matter of trying as many activities as you can until you find the one that makes you want to get up and get moving each day.
Do it with a friend
Numerous studies have shown that pretty much everyone does better at sticking with their exercise regimes if they do it with a friend. Having a buddy with who you commit to exercising immediately makes it more fun because you can chat or challenge each other as you exercise. Not only that but knowing they will be waiting for you each day, you are less likely to skip a workout and disappoint them than you might be if you were only accountable to yourself and nobody else.
Measure your gains (or losses)
Whatever your motivation for exercising more, you are likely to stay more motivated if you record your gains or losses, depending on what you are trying to achieve. If you can’t see your progress, it is much harder to convince yourself that your fitness regime is making much difference at all, which means it’s easier to procrastinate and skip a workout or four, but if you know that you’ve gained an inch on your biceps or lost three inches off your waist, you really can’t convince yourself that exercise isn’t working or give yourself a free pass to skip it because you know it is improving your body and your health.
Check out success stories
As well as charting your own progress, it could be very motivating to check out other people’s successes with fitness, as these online personal training body transformations, to spur you on. When you see what it is possible to achieve with a little dedication, you will be far more likely to actually follow through on your own fitness regime.
Treat yourself
If fitness isn’t a reward enough for you, then it could be worth looking at other ways to reward yourself for sticking with your exercise regime. Sit down and think about the kind of treats that would keep you going to the gym or doing whatever exercise it is you love most and commit to letting yourself have that thing for every 7, 10, or 30 days you a complete workout. You’ll be surprised at just how effective this can be.
Build it into your normal day
If you’re really struggling, it’s worth remembering that exercise doesn’t have to be a separate part of the day; you can build it into your routine in a number of ways from cycling rather than driving to work to taking the stairs instead of using the elevator each time at work.
When it comes to maintaining fitness motivation, you need to find your why and your how, and the rest, with a little help, will follow naturally.
This is a contributed post.