The Top 5 Ways of Staying Motivated
There are a number of challenges that can be an obstacle to starting a new workout program and staying motivated.
Although the initial excitement of signing up for a gym membership or purchasing new exercise wardrobe may give plenty of women an immediate beginner's rush at first, the thrill of a weight loss agenda may run its course sooner than first imagined.
When reality sets in, weeks have gone by without a visit to the gym, or the new wardrobe is still left hanging unused at the back of one's closet (with all price tags still firmly in place).
A lot of people get into the idea of a weight loss program with lofty, unrealistic expectations-the challenge really is to take stock of the situation and stay on track with one's workout plan in spite of an unpredictable lifestyle and a busy schedule.
1.
PLANNING AHEAD It is important to set realistic goals especially when weight and exercise are factored in.
Suffice to say, if one's fitness and exercise goals are unattainable, then one is setting themselves up for failure.
Reaching the summit of Mt.
Kilimanjaro or running a marathon isn't the proper benchmark for a person with a present fitness level similar to the average sloth's.
Instead of fantasizing over mountains and marathons, perhaps aiming for 10,000 footsteps a day or going down a dress size or two will put things in proper perspective for an enthusiastic amateur.
Staying motivated is less cumbersome if perspective coupled with perseverance is set in place.
2.
MAKING IT OFFICIAL There's nothing like staring down at a visual and concrete reminder of one's fitness goals and their plans of reaching them.
There's something about writing one's plans and goals down in black and white that legitimizes one's commitment to them.
In addition, keeping a diary of one's daily outcomes and performance furthers their goals along and keeps them goals in check.
As a daily habit this helps a person break down the bigger picture into smaller, more manageable, chunks.
Although it might seem daunting at first, letting loved ones and friends in on one's plans is another trick to staying motivated-not only will they be willing to provide support, but they will also be the first ones to call their loved one's attention if they stray from their goals and plans.
3.
BUSTING A MOVE Moving to music is a great way to engage and motivate a person in physical activity.
Not only is music entertaining, inspiring and stimulating, but dancing as an aerobic activity, for example, doesn't really require special skills or discriminate people who have two left feet.
There's something with moving to the beat of catchy music that seems to make time go by quicker.
Today with the use of personal MP3 players, people can make their own play lists and move to music that really energizes them.
In addition, different classes in the gym, for example step aerobics, use well-chosen tunes that work around specific routines or moves.
4.
FLEXIBILITY Wouldn't it be nice if people can clock in the hours to exercise whenever they want? The truth is, it is often difficult for many people to pencil their workout sessions in the midst of deadlines and household chores.
The best approach towards long-term fitness is to simply exercise at every available opportunity.
People are too quick to throw in the towel when they can't find a set time to exercise-but the key really is to spread one's exercise time during the day, and improve their normal physical activity.
Instead of aiming for daily morning workout sessions, perhaps splitting one's workout time between morning and evening might be better.
Instead of using the escalator or elevator, people can be healthier by taking the stairs more often.
5.
RESILIENCE One's fitness and exercise goals need not go all the way down the drain just because one has skipped a few workout sessions due to boredom, illness, a crazy work schedule or a vacation.
Creativity is crucial especially if one hits an exercise plateau-a person has to be open to new ways of amping their exercise routine so that the muscles don't get bored, so to speak.
The key to staying motivated in the face of minor setbacks is to get back to one's exercise program immediately and continually make things interesting.
Although the initial excitement of signing up for a gym membership or purchasing new exercise wardrobe may give plenty of women an immediate beginner's rush at first, the thrill of a weight loss agenda may run its course sooner than first imagined.
When reality sets in, weeks have gone by without a visit to the gym, or the new wardrobe is still left hanging unused at the back of one's closet (with all price tags still firmly in place).
A lot of people get into the idea of a weight loss program with lofty, unrealistic expectations-the challenge really is to take stock of the situation and stay on track with one's workout plan in spite of an unpredictable lifestyle and a busy schedule.
1.
PLANNING AHEAD It is important to set realistic goals especially when weight and exercise are factored in.
Suffice to say, if one's fitness and exercise goals are unattainable, then one is setting themselves up for failure.
Reaching the summit of Mt.
Kilimanjaro or running a marathon isn't the proper benchmark for a person with a present fitness level similar to the average sloth's.
Instead of fantasizing over mountains and marathons, perhaps aiming for 10,000 footsteps a day or going down a dress size or two will put things in proper perspective for an enthusiastic amateur.
Staying motivated is less cumbersome if perspective coupled with perseverance is set in place.
2.
MAKING IT OFFICIAL There's nothing like staring down at a visual and concrete reminder of one's fitness goals and their plans of reaching them.
There's something about writing one's plans and goals down in black and white that legitimizes one's commitment to them.
In addition, keeping a diary of one's daily outcomes and performance furthers their goals along and keeps them goals in check.
As a daily habit this helps a person break down the bigger picture into smaller, more manageable, chunks.
Although it might seem daunting at first, letting loved ones and friends in on one's plans is another trick to staying motivated-not only will they be willing to provide support, but they will also be the first ones to call their loved one's attention if they stray from their goals and plans.
3.
BUSTING A MOVE Moving to music is a great way to engage and motivate a person in physical activity.
Not only is music entertaining, inspiring and stimulating, but dancing as an aerobic activity, for example, doesn't really require special skills or discriminate people who have two left feet.
There's something with moving to the beat of catchy music that seems to make time go by quicker.
Today with the use of personal MP3 players, people can make their own play lists and move to music that really energizes them.
In addition, different classes in the gym, for example step aerobics, use well-chosen tunes that work around specific routines or moves.
4.
FLEXIBILITY Wouldn't it be nice if people can clock in the hours to exercise whenever they want? The truth is, it is often difficult for many people to pencil their workout sessions in the midst of deadlines and household chores.
The best approach towards long-term fitness is to simply exercise at every available opportunity.
People are too quick to throw in the towel when they can't find a set time to exercise-but the key really is to spread one's exercise time during the day, and improve their normal physical activity.
Instead of aiming for daily morning workout sessions, perhaps splitting one's workout time between morning and evening might be better.
Instead of using the escalator or elevator, people can be healthier by taking the stairs more often.
5.
RESILIENCE One's fitness and exercise goals need not go all the way down the drain just because one has skipped a few workout sessions due to boredom, illness, a crazy work schedule or a vacation.
Creativity is crucial especially if one hits an exercise plateau-a person has to be open to new ways of amping their exercise routine so that the muscles don't get bored, so to speak.
The key to staying motivated in the face of minor setbacks is to get back to one's exercise program immediately and continually make things interesting.
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