This is a guest post by Sarah Davies.
For many of us making the decision to embark upon a program of exercise can be difficult enough. Yet maintaining that program of exercise can prove even more difficult. Statistics revealed in the Daily Mail show that as many as 70% of people who join a gym stop attending within the first 3 months. This incredible statistic shows that most of us struggle with keeping ourselves motivated to exercise beyond even just a few months. So what are some proven ways of keeping ourselves consistent with regular exercise?
Setting Goals
One of the most important things we can do when beginning an exercise program is to set goals. Without a clearly defined goal we have nothing specific to work towards, meaning that our workouts will lack direction. Whether your goal is to drop a dress size or to be fit enough to run 5k, we all work more consistently and stay more focused with a particular goal to work towards. Remember to make your goals attainable. Setting highly unrealistic goals can actually have the opposite effect and can be demotivating if not attainable. Evidence shows that setting smaller mini-goals at regular stages (such as each month) is one of the best ways to keep yourself motivated.
Keep a log
Journal based logging of your health and fitness attainments is another proven way of helping to keep you motivated. Log what you have done in each workout and try to improve on your performance with each new training sessions - whether you run further, lift more or work harder. If you have a fitness goal, such as running 5k, note down how far you have run and your time in each workout and keep a log so you can see in black and white how you are progressing with every new session.
Reward Yourself
Promising yourself a reward if you reach your particular goal is also another great incentive. It could be a new piece of clothing, a weekend away or anything that you particular want. Don’t just visualize it, write it down or cut out a picture from a magazine of that special item of clothing you want and stick it to your fridge door so you can visualize your prize.
Make Exercise Fun
One of the main reasons people lose interest with exercise is boredom. As soon as boredom sets in it can be difficult to stay motivated. The key therefore is to find forms of exercise that you enjoy. Whether you like cycling, tennis, zumba or cross fit, if you enjoy what you’re doing, you are far more likely to stick with it. One of the main reasons people give for hiring a personal trainer for example is to have someone who can make exercise routines fun and varied to keep sessions enjoyable.
Buddy Up With A Training Partner
Most of us are able to maintain our motivation for longer when we have someone else to share the workout with. This could be a friend, a partner or even a personal trainer. Working together with someone else gives you accountability and support, especially on days when you may not feel much like exercising. Together you can motivate one another, set goals and keep each other focused.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Many people lose motivation when they adopt an ‘all-or-nothing’ mentality. One bad week can throw them off course and destroy their momentum for good. Instead, realize that you will have some weeks where you don’t reach the goals you set yourself. If this happens, pick yourself up and carry on. Remember that your fitness goals will not be achieved overnight and you must stay focused on putting the past behind you and focusing on the future in order to reach your goals.
Your motivation will improve by using these proven ways of keeping ourselves consistent with regular exercise.
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