Summertime is soon approaching, and many of us would like to shed those few extra winter pounds to get ready to get back to our bathing-suit bodies. We all can easily say, ” I’m going to be more physically active,” but actually getting yourself out there and “DOING IT” are two completely different things. There is something right in between your thought, and action process, which we refer to as “Motivation.” Some of us are easily motivated, if we love being active on a daily basis. However, the majority of us need a little kick start to get us excited about what our fitness future has in store. Therefore, lack of motivation may be a huge factor in inhibiting you from reaching your fitness goals. Here are a few simple tricks to help give you the motivational boost you need to start your exercise regimen.
1. Set a Date: Procrastination is closely correlated to Lack of Motivation. Once you have a date set you can start to make fitness plans that you can look forward to. You can also check your county webcite or newspaper to see what local commumity organizations or events are going on near you. Many Communities offer walking or running clubs and also dancing and fitness classes that may inspire you to try something new!
2. Find a Friend: Starting a workout routine is a great way to meet new people! Having a workout partner is key to not only motivating you to get started but also to keep you on track of your fitness routine. Not all of us have the luxury of having a personal trainer to make sure we are sticking to our plan. However, we can find someone to hold us accountable. The truth is, we are more likely to follow through with a plan if we have someone to share our success with. Whether this is a friend you make a plan to run with or someone you sit next to every week in a fitness class; you are going to want to continue going, for that inner feeling of gratification. No one wants to let a friend down, especially when one of those friends is yourself!
3. Treat Yourself: Every now and then its good to treat ourselves! We also have more justification to buy something for ourselves when its purpose is to increase our fitness motivatation. Its okay if you are on a budget, this can work for everybody. Your treat can be something as simple as a few good workout songs on itunes or as extravagant as a new fitness wardrobe. This is going to make us feel more obligated to get out there and make use of our new purchase!
4. Set a Goal: When we have something to work toward its gives us more of that inner desire to suceed. We also do not want to set ourselves up for disapointment; so it’s good if we start off with smaller, more attainable goals. Goals can be set no matter what a persons’ level of fitness is. Your short term goal might be just getting out of bed and making it to that fitness class you’ve been wanting to check out. While your long term goal might be to run a marathon for charity. The point is everyone of us is different, with different goals and expectations for our own fitness levels.
5. Set aside time for “YOU”!: Time or lack there of is a large barrier when it comes to working out. However, if we view this time management as not just a workout, but a time for us to escape from all the other factors and stressors in our lives it may become a higher priority.
So what are you waiting for?! Get out there and get active!
