Motivating yourself to exercise every day is not easy. It can be difficult to get into a routine of exercise. Adding an exercise regimen to your daily life may be the key to reaching your fitness goals.
There are many ways to stay motivated. Here are five of the best.
Exercise Fun
Exercise does not have to be a burden. Exercise routines are often viewed as boring and negative. Instead, think of it as “me time” and find an activity you enjoy. You may even look forward to it.
Sports, hiking and bicycling are great ways to make your exercise routine more interesting and fun. Jazzercise is a dance fitness program that takes the “work” of exercising out of it.
Bring a friend
If you’re not, your friends will be! Carpooling with a buddy can add that extra bit of accountability you need to stay on track after a long workday. After your workout, plan a social event with your friends. After your workout, treat yourself to a meal or a coffee. This will not only reward you for following your exercise routine but also integrate it into your daily life.
Make it Public
Sharing your fitness goals will help you stay on track with your workout routine. It’s similar to working out in a group or with friends. Ask your Facebook friends to keep you updated on your fitness goals. You can also use a fitness tracker or a calendar to display on your fridge for family and friends.
Do not beat yourself up
Successful exercise should be achievable and reasonable. It’s not sustainable to try and exercise twice a week, every day, without eating a carb, and manage your family, work and other responsibilities. It’s okay to miss a workout if you have to. Your routine doesn’t end just because of it. You can pick up right where you left.
Define Your Goals
Knowing your fitness goals can help you stick to an exercise program. Whether it’s to lose weight, get healthy, look great in a bathing suit, or feel better about yourself – understanding them will motivate you. If your motivation does not align with what you value most, your commitment to exercise may diminish. Steven Covey asks us in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “What is one thing that I could do on a daily basis to have a huge positive impact on my own life?” If you put this question into context with your exercise goals, then you are more likely to stick with it.
