The Struggles of Being Fit and Healthy – Getting Motivated
I often hear people say:
“I need to workout, but I just can’t get motivated enough to do it.”
Been there – done that. Everyone experiences this. Even seasoned athletes/exercisers experience the “ho hum’s” occasionally. It can be so easy to talk yourself out of a workout, but I want to help you find a way to inspire you to do it.
There are so many ways to motivate yourself to exercise, and I want to share some ideas that have helped me. Sure I’ve had days when I’ve struggled with exercise. Just like everyone else, there are days when I’m too tired, or have too many things scheduled to find time to exercise. With 2 full time jobs, 3 dogs, my own business and a hubby with 2 companies of his own, I have a plate full of responsibilities and everything seems to require top priority like right now. But my workout is my time for myself. This is when I destress and focus solely on myself. In order for me to be on top of game, I have to be on top of my physical game. With a clear mind and a healthy body, I can put my all into my life outside of the gym. And on days when I struggle to workout, I have a secret stash of motivational tips that keep me on the fitness trail. Here are a few of the reasons I give myself to get motivated to workout:
That post-workout high. I always feel on top of the world after a good workout. Knowing I just completed a challenging workout leaves me feeling strong, confident and like I can accomplish anything!!! There is NOTHING better than that feeling!
Get excited to have “Me Time”. This is your special time for yourself. While many of us make the time to take care of others (kids, spouse, other family members, co-workers, boss), we often neglect taking time out for ourselves. Make your “you” time a priority, and don’t break that exercise appointment.
REWARDS!!! After every fitness milestone, I reward myself with something. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive: a book, cute shoes, a pretty new nail polish, a bouquet of flowers or my favorite – a new purse. If I am having trouble getting motivated, I remind myself that after I reach my goal I will be sporting a new purse. (don’t judge me – I’m in a 12 step program for my addiction)
Fitting into “new” old clothes. Remember that outfit that you are just dying to wear again? Remember how amazing you felt the last time you wore it? Enough said – get moving so you can wear it again!
Stress relief. Stressed from a long day at the office or frazzled from your busy schedule? Get out and work it off. It really helps to have this physical outlet to let go of all that tension. Exercise releases feel good endorphins and you’ll walk away from a workout in a better mood.
Time for contemplation. Sometimes, I enjoy losing myself in my thoughts when I exercise. I’ve found it often helps me uncover solutions to daily problems. Some of my best ideas come to me while I am out for a run. Use this time to let your mind wander a bit and see where your thoughts take you.
Get a workout partner. Not only is it much more fun to exercise with a friend, you have a sense of responsibility to them to keep your workout appointment.
Hire a coach or trainer. Worth the money, if even just for the motivation and the accountability of having to keep an appointment. Need the name of an AWESOME trainer? Let me know…I think I might know someone. LOL!
Keep an exercise journal. People who keep a journal of their workout routine have a far better chance of success than those who do not. The journal is your own personal checkpoint to remind you where you came from, where you are now and what your intended goal is to be.
That dreaded of feeling disappointment from not exercising. I hate the guilt, frustration and feeling like I have missed something very important when I skip my workout especially when 30 minutes later when I know if I would have started when I wanted to I would be done by now.
Need more motivation? Check out this article that I wrote for Cut and Jacked to really light a fire under your buns.
