Why do we find it hard keeping motivated to achieve our fitness goals?
Sometimes no matter how dedicated we are to our goals- work life, family commitments and other stresses often cause us to put exercise to the bottom of the to-do list. Use our top 10 tips in keeping motivated, especially as the mornings are getting colder.
- Find your “why” – Everybody has a reason as to why they start their journey. Why did you start your journey in the first place? Was it so you could keep up with your kids? Was it to feel better about yourself or even to lose weight? When you don’t feel like training – remembering why you started in the first place can be a great tool in keeping motivated.
- Set a goal – Setting achievable goals will help you get out of bed in the morning and push through those gruelling sessions. Perhaps you want to be able to run 5km, fit into an old pair of jeans or deadlift your body weight. Having steps in place to achieve those goals – and then actually achieving them is the best feeling.
- Think of the other benefits – Sure, weight loss if great, but there are so many other benefits to exercising. Want a better night’s sleep? Increased energy? Improved mental health? Get moving.
- Take progress pictures – Taking a progress photo of yourself may seem daunting, but there is nothing more satisfying then comparing a photo of yourself to a photo you took 3 months ago. Sometimes when the scale isn’t budging, comparing photos of yourself and seeing what you have achieved will spark your motivation to keep on going.
- Focus on your nutrition – Are you accountable for what you are eating? Do you find it hard keeping motivated to eat healthy all the time? Most people focus on their training, but neglect the most important factor – their nutrition. Using tools such as My Fitness Pal can really show what you are eating and if you are struggling, seeking help from an experienced trainer can really take you nutrition and training to the next level.
- Start small – Jumping straight into a fitness overhaul can become overwhelming, exhausting and most of the time, it doesn’t last. Once again, setting goals is key. Scheduling in 2 gym sessions a week to start with is achievable and you can eventually build up to more sessions if you wish.
- Reward yourself – Want those Lulu Lemon tights? Setting yourself a goal and having something at the end to reward you is a big incentive.
- Workout with a friend – Scheduling regular workouts with a friend is a sure-fire way to keep yourself in check because you won’t want to let them, or yourself down. If you don’t have any gym buddies, taking a class at the gym will connect you with like-minded people pursuing the same goals and keeping motivated to be more accountable.
- Follow a program – Sometimes having a specific training program takes the hassle out of everything. You know exactly what you need to do how to do it and when to do it. No planning required.
- Choose the right exercise – If you don’t enjoy lifting weights, you won’t do it and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you prefer running, yoga or CrossFit then 100% do it. There is no right or wrong way to get your heart pumping. If you enjoy what you’re doing, then you will want to do it and your exercise will be more consistent.
If you need accountability and a team environment to succeed, why don’t you take a look at our upcoming 8-week Team Transformation Challenge starting July 10th. Please email kody@bodyswitch.com.au
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