Whether you are a student, a full-time employee, or even a stay-at-home parent, you may often feel like you do not have enough time or energy to work out. No shame, though! This does not mean that you are lazy or unwilling to become more active; life just sometimes gets in the way. However, you still have to put in some effort if you want to change your routine. Staying motivated to exercise regularly is not as easy as it sounds, but with some simple steps, you will be able to achieve your fitness goals. Interested in learning the secret to staying motivated? Read on to know more!
Get Nice Workout Clothes
This might sound a bit shallow to you at first, but buying nice workout clothes might give you the push you need to hit the gym. Think about it for a second; cute outfits will allow you to exude confidence and feel better about yourself. Also, let’s be real, no one wants their nice-looking clothes to go to waste, and you will probably want to show off your unique style. When choosing gym clothes, make sure that you pick items that both look good and feel comfortable. Opt for moisture-wicking shirts to combat the weather and pick well-fitted pants or shorts to avoid tripping over yourself when exercising.
Change Up Your Workout Routine
Doing the same five exercises every day is bound to get boring at some point. While we are normally creatures of habit, tweaking your routine every once in a while can do wonders. The fitness enthusiasts at Not One Rival recommend adding a variety of exercises to your routine, including cardio and weightlifting. It might feel a bit weird to break out of your comfort zone at first, but remember that variety is the spice of life! So, don’t be afraid to try new exercises.
Reward Yourself
Jumping back to work after an intense workout is a rookie mistake! Instead, you need to seize the chance to reward yourself. After exercising, our bodies release endorphins (aka happy hormones), so you will be probably in a good mood. Don’t let this good mood go to waste and capitalize on it! Experts point out that there are various ways you can reward yourself after a particularly grueling workout. For example, you can get a massage, go out with your friends, watch your favorite T.V. show, or just take a long nap if you have a busy schedule. Moreover, you can treat yourself to something sweet or savory. Don’t worry about consuming extra calories, though, because a once-in-a-blue-moon treat should not do much harm anyway. This way, you will start associating exercising with things that make you happy, tricking yourself into staying motivated for longer.
Don’t Work Out Alone
Working out alone can make you feel isolated, limiting your motivation to stay on track. So, how about you grab a friend when you are heading to the gym? Of course, if you are friends with couch potatoes, your request might meet some resistance, but you can turn it into a fun wager. For example, you can convince your friends to work out with you by agreeing that the first one to run two miles will get a free drink, $50, etc. On the other hand, you can meet new exercise buddies at your local gym if your friends are too busy to accompany you.
Join Contests
If you are a competitive person, you can keep yourself motivated by enrolling in fitness contests. Contests can be a fun way to challenge yourself and feel accomplished about achieving your goals. If your gym holds periodic competitions, don’t be afraid to join in the fun. Even if you do not come out on top, there is always next time, so seize this chance to become more active.
Make Time for Working Out
It is hard to think about working out when you have another gazillion tasks to worry about. But, if you always fail to find the time to exercise, then there might be something wrong with your daily routine. When setting a schedule, make sure to include some time for working out. You do not have to dedicate several hours to it, of course; 15-20 minutes should be enough.
Not only does exercising regularly help you stay in shape, but it also wards off many serious health conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. If you do not feel like hitting the gym often, you can use the simple techniques mentioned above to stay motivated. Remember that the first step is always the hardest. Once you integrate working out into your routine, you will look forward to breaking a sweat every day!
