“But Honey … its cold!” If you have used the cold weather as an excuse to become a couch potato; well sunny days are here and calling your name!
Yes, spring is here, and if the only “burpee” you do is after a big meal; it’s time! Or maybe your cute love handles have reached (not so cute) muffin- top status, and need a little redesigning.
Motivating yourself to exercise is, for most of us, an ongoing project. The most popular day to start a new exercise routine is “tomorrow”, right? Mmm … the old “Just get up and do it” is easy when that person A: isn’t you, and B: is sitting behind a keyboard! Yes, oversimplifying the challenge is of no help. So, how do you become one of those motivated, dedicated people? Believe it or not, studies show that the battle is 90% psychological!
Here are a few tips that may actually help the motivationally challenged among us to get moving. Some might be a little crazy, but hey – It’s all about finding what works for you, right?
- Remind yourself how busy your life is. Think about your schedule and realise that today, now, is your only window. So, it’s now or never.
- Schedule it. Don’t think too much about it. Make it just another part of your day, like showering or brushing teeth.
- Make an expertly crafted playlist. Get pumped for the event.
- Set the bar low and start small. If you’re having trouble with every day, start with twice a week. Start walking; pick a scenic route and take lots of pictures – Do it for the Insta!
- Whatever you do, make it fun. Avoid throw-up-your-hands-and-give-up moments. Jump rope; do your favourite childhood workout and burn about 208 calories in just 20 minutes! Or, maybe try a martial arts class.
- Team up. You’re more likely to stick to your plan if you have a partner in crime. Choose someone with similar goals whose schedule fits in with yours.
- Jump on the Twitter train. Get vocal about your fitness routine. Give updates on your progress, post links to your favourite fitness articles and cheer on others. (They’ll do the same for you!)
- Invest in workout clothes. This will reinforce your identity as an exerciser.
- Get a gadget. Equipment allows you to monitor your progress – e.g. a pedometer. Research by the Walking The Way To Health Research Institute found that people who wore pedometers over a 12 week period ended up walking an extra 1000 steps daily!
- Turn your fitness goals into office décor. Tape a photo of your favourite fit Instagrammer where you can see it, or one of that bikini you’re dying to buy.
- No workout, no wine. If you look forward to heading to the nearest waterhole after work, turn that little treat into a reward for your workout.
- Sleep in your workout clothes. Also, set your coffee maker’s automatic timer so it starts brewing 5 minutes before you wake up for a little extra energy.
- Buy a really nice shampoo you can only use after you work out. Cover it with a post-it note to remind you that it is strictly A.E. (after exercise)
- Tap into big emotion. Dedicate your workout to an intention greater than yourself. Maybe to someone who is struggling; this way it becomes personal and powerful.
Bottom line: You don’t have to train hard-core to live a happy, healthy life. Begin your exercise routine where you are, not where you want to be. Do what you can do, and do it consistently. Good luck!
Source: fit.webmd.com, www.quickanddirtytips.com, www.shape.com, www.nia.nih.gov, www.mensfitness.com, lifehacker.com, www.thrive-style.com, www.webmd.com, www.fitnessmagazine.com, zenhabits.net, www.buzzfeed.com, www.prevention.com, www.womanshealthmag.com, thoughtcatalog.com, web.facebook.com, mindbodybride.com, www.menshealth.com, www.theguardian.com, weightloss.allwomanstalk.com, www.scarymommy.com
