Motivation Part I

Are you confused or feel like you’re running around in circles?

Or maybe you're a little low on motivation and could really use a different approach?

If you don’t have one this may be the perfect time to hire a certified personal trainer for a session or two. That fitness professional will be able to listen to your previous workout and health history, as well as your goals and then design a customized workout for you. It's a great way to get back on track and rededicate yourself to improving your health and fitness.

Whether you are new to fitness or a longtime exerciser who’s just stuck in a rut, everyone eventually suffers from a lack of motivation when it comes time to exercising.

Here are some tips that may help, something to think about if you’re in a rut:

Make working out a priority!
Like I always say, exercise is like brushing your teeth, you do that don’t do? There will never be “the right time,” or a “down-time” in your life that will make working out easy to pencil into your day. You can’t keep saying, “I will start on Monday”.

Start a routine!
It’s easier if you schedule the same days and times every week for your workouts. Make sure to always exercise on those days, even if you have to cut it short due to your busy schedule. Life happens so this doesn’t always work. But hey, we do our best!

It takes 21 -30 days to form a habit, let’s go!
For some of us the beginning is rough, you may feel like you’re dragging yourself to the gym. Others will have the opposite effect and feel like they can’t wait to get there. Eventually you will begin to feel a change within yourself and truly enjoy the satisfaction you take from a good workout.

Get the support of the people around you!
There’s nothing like getting positive words and encouragement. It’s an added bonus if friends or family share your fitness goals. Maybe you can get a workout buddy. A positive attitude will get you to your goals faster and keep you committed. This will also help and serve as a reason for you not to give up. People around you will see the positive changes and will look up to you and may want to experience those same changes. Remember you’re a role model. By choosing to exercise most days of the week you are setting a healthy example for your friends and family to follow.

Start out slow…
Don’t burn yourself out before you even get through the first week. Plan to exercise every other day and then eventually increase that number to 5 or 6 times per week.

Above all, enjoy yourself and realize this is about you and keeping yourself healthy. Like anything else there will be ups and downs, but you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to stick with it and improve your longevity and quality of life!