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Change is never easy, yet, if you stay with a routine long
enough, you'll enjoy the positive results and benefits and
will be more likely to continue. So how can you find the
motivation within you to accomplish this? While true motivation
must come from within, these tips will help you keep motivated:
1. Find something you enjoy
and that will be easy for you to do.
If you hate running, than
don't start a running program. Try brisk walking instead.
Also, consider what is nearby. Maybe you enjoy swimming,
but if you don't have access to a pool, that's not a good
choice either. Your best choice is something that you are
able to do.
2. Exercise at the the right
time.
If you're not a morning person,
first thing in the morning might not work for you. But don't
use that as an excuse for not exercising, and be aware that
the longer you put off exercising, the harder it is to get
motivated to exercise. See When's
The Best Time to Exercise? for more ideas.
3. Set specific, realistic,
and attainable goals--both short-term and long-term.
Your weekly goal might be
to work out four times, while your long-term goal might
be to finish a 5K race. Keep your goals attainable. If you've
never run before, don't attempt a marathon in your first
couple months. A 5K would be a much better choice.
4. Monitor your progress.
Keep a journal to see your
improvement. Note your feelings about your exercise program,
as well as your accomplishments. Progress takes time, but
is a great encouragement to keep on.
5. Don't push yourself too
hard or you'll want to quit.
While progress takes work,
allow yourself adequate time to each new level.
6. Reward yourself for each
new goal reached.
Buy yourself a new book,
article of clothing, or something else that you enjoy. (Don't
buy a box of candy, if you're trying to lose weight!)
7. Read about exercise and
fitness.
The more you read, the more
you will learn about exercise and avoid potential pitfalls
or common misconceptions about exercise.
8. Vary or change your routine.
When your workout routine
starts to get stale, add variety. Whether you walk, run,
or cycle, you can try new and different routes. If nothing
else, do your regular route backwards. Also, try adding
another activity for change. Not only is that great cross-training,
but variety helps prevent boredom.
9. Get the support of others.
Exercise with your family,
spouse, friend or neighbor. Consider joining a group (running,
cycling, or aerobic class). You'll be more likely to continue
with a routine, if you have a support group or someone to
hold you accountable. It is so much easier to run at 6 AM
when you know a friend or neighbor is waiting for you.
10. Do not worry if you miss
a session or two, but keep going.
Okay, so you missed a morning
or two of exercise, or maybe you blew your diet. Don't use
that as an excuse to quit, and don't wait for another new
year to start. Each day is another chance to start anew.
So what are you waiting for?
Time to get fit! |
