Do you find yourself skipping workouts regularly? Sometimes it’s difficult to keep a good routine going. We all know that exercise is great for physical and mental health. So why is it so hard to start or continue? When you find yourself slacking, use one of these tips on how to stay motivated to work out.
Motivation comes from within. Take a look at why you want to work out, and what it means for yourself. Do you want to look and feel better? Is it simply about improving your health? Whatever your individual goals are, it’s important to stay focused and remind yourself of why you started in the first place.
If you want to get and stay healthy, let’s look at some ways you can stay motivated!
Enjoy Your Workout
Develop a workout routine that’s right for you. If you don’t like running, then substitute another cardiovascular exercise. Having fun while working out will increase your motivation to stick with the plan.
You have many options when deciding on how to get healthy. Hiking outdoors, going to a gym, or doing a home workout are all great ways to stay in shape. Just pick what you love and build the regimen that will keep you coming back for more.
Have a Partner
If you have someone to work out with, you can rely on each other to stay motivated. Set a time to meet and develop a plan that works for both of you. It helps if you have a partner that has similar goals. Find someone that shares your exercise interests.
If you don’t have anyone nearby, try finding a virtual partner. You can choose someone you already know or get to know a new friend. You can work out via webcam, talk on the phone while working out, or update each other using email. When someone is counting on you to keep them in line, you will be more likely to maintain your routine as well.
Set and Track Goals
Set up some short- and long-term goals. For example, if you want to lose a certain amount of weight in a year, you can create a goal for every month as well as the end of a year.
You can also set fitness goals to increase motivation. Do you want to participate in a 5K run but you have never done so? Try the couch to 5K program. This builds in daily, weekly, and monthly goals that will have you closer to a 5K in 9 weeks.
Maybe you want to get stronger. Set weekly goals to lift heavier weights, then test your maximums for certain exercises. Setting these types of goals will also keep you going!
Stay Flexible
While it’s important to develop a good exercise routine, it’s also important to continue to work out regularly. If you miss a day, don’t get down on yourself. It’s easy to skip a day or two then quit working out completely. Tell yourself it’s okay to exercise at different times or skip a couple of days. This will help you avoid excuses like, “well I missed two days this week, so I’ll just give up.”
Create a schedule that is built around other facets of your life. If you have long workdays, implement a regimen for your off days or short workouts interspersed in your breaks.
Whether you work out on workdays or on your days off, this can be altered to fit your needs. The important thing is sticking with your program at all costs.
Try Home Workouts
Some people simply do not like the gym or exercising outdoors. If this sounds like you, pick up a pair of dumbbells and start your home workout routine. You can utilize your television to work out with a virtual trainer or research online for a routine that works for you.
There aren’t many excuses if you are already at home and have the equipment. Use this as motivation!
It’s okay to work out in your living room, and some individuals find this the easiest and most comfortable place for exercise. You don’t have to travel anywhere, you can do whatever your routine needs, and the shower is just a few steps away.
Multi-Task
Do you have a podcast or album that you’ve been meaning to listen to? How about a movie to watch? Get caught up with your entertainment needs while you’re working out. Sure, a lot of people say to focus on one thing at a time, but if this will keep you motivated then why not?
Build a workout routine that also allows you to stay up to date with whatever you are interested in. For example, if you are at home, you can watch the movie you’ve been wanting to see while getting your exercise in. If you are at the gym, put your headphones in, and listen to your favorite podcast.
Buy an App or Membership
The final tip on how to stay motivated to work out is to spend money. If you can afford a workout app or gym membership, then oftentimes the sheer fact that you are spending is motivation enough.
We certainly don’t want to waste our hard-earned money, so if we decide to spend it on fitness, we will be more inclined to continue our exercise routine.
Final Remarks
Good luck on your exercise journey! You are armed with some tools that will hopefully help you stay in shape. It’s okay to fall down. Just make sure you get back up, continue, and remember how to stay motivated to work out.
Do what is necessary to maintain your devotion to staying healthy. Research what is right for you, get started, and stay motivated!
Let us know if we can do anything to help.