It’s not easy to stay motivated all the time. But if you want to make things happen, you know motivation is crucial. Self-motivation comes from caring about yourself. It requires a balance of self-communication, an acceptance of change and small incentives along the way. Here are some ideas to keep you motivated in achieving your health and fitness goals.
Set realistic goals. Write down short- and long-term goals that are achievable. For example, if you have slacked off in your workout routines, a short-term goal might be joining a gym. Another may be to walk for 30 minutes three days a week with your man. A long-term goal may be to sign up for a 5K or half-marathon.
Start Slowly. If you’ve stopped exercising, or eased up on the number of days, slowly transition back into your program. As you begin to see physical changes and feel more energized you will naturally want to increase your frequency.
Have a Winning Attitude. Positive thoughts motivate healthy behaviors. If you believe you can do something, most likely you will.
Schedule Workouts. Make fitness a priority by scheduling the time on your calendar.
A Little of This, A Little of That. Mix up the routine so you don’t get bored. Alternate walking days with spinning classes, or instead of working with weight machines, try a toning class. Go outside and play.
Squad Power. Buddy up and exercise with friends or neighbors. Doing so can help you stick with your workout schedule.
Share Successes. For inspiration, read others success stories.
Make it Personal. Beyond walking down the aisle, write down other reasons for wanting to get fit and the benefits of reaching those goals. Tape the list to the refrigerator as a constant reminder.
Track Your Progress. Record what you did, how long you exercised and how you felt afterward. Also, take your measurements monthly. Recording your efforts can help you work toward your goals — and remind you that you’re making progress.
Celebrate Victories. When you reach a goal, treat yourself to a new pair of workout shorts or new tunes for your phone.
Have Fun. You’re more likely to stick with an exercise program if you’re having fun. Bored with your workouts? Try something different — sign you and your man up for ballroom dancing, trade your running shoes for a swimsuit.
Challenge Yourself. Take your achievements to the next level by adding more weight, signing up for that half-marathon or 5K we mentioned earlier.