12 tips and tricks to stick to your workout

Getting and then staying motivated to keep yourself physically fit does not come naturally to everyone.  There has to be the drive to get healthy and to get in shape.  What motivates one person may not necessarily motivate someone else. There has to be a trigger(s) encouraging us to carve the time and energy out of our day finding good reasons to get a little or a lot sweaty and endure occasional sore muscles.  A trigger could be being a good role model for your kids or regaining your health.  All reasons are valid as long as they get you up and moving.

Admittedly, staying motivated to hit the gym or getting outside to exercise can be tough.  People live busy lives, whether it’s because of work, kids, or other social activities. 

Finding your own inner exercise motivator

To make exercise a routine, consistent part of our lives requires motivation.  Many people will have good intentions of exercising but often have excuses or circumstances drowning out the desire and drive necessary to make it a habit.  That’s where motivation comes in.        

It can be easy and tempting to push exercise to the wayside opting instead for a more relaxing way to spend your extra time.  But to have a meaningful, positive impact on your overall health and well-being, it is crucial to embrace exercise. 

If lack of motivation is inhibiting you from a consistent, routine exercise pattern, it’s time to find what positively reinforces you to become a person of action.  Need some help?  Here are 12 motivational inspiring ideas to get and keep you on track:

1.     If I don’t exercise, will I regret it?

Going for weeks, months, or years takes its toll on your body.  Ask yourself – “do I really want to increase the odds of developing chronic diseases, many of which could possibly be avoided with regular exercise?”   Look around and be inspired by people who take care of themselves.  Notice individuals who look and feel good for their age and who manage to stay out of doctor’s offices and hospitals staying healthy enough to enjoy all life has to offer. 

2.     Workout with others

You know how accountability makes you, well, more accountable?  Finding an enthusiastic workout partner sharing your same goal of getting fit, can be that big toe keeping you motivated particularly on days you want to play hooky.

3.     Savor the post-workout endorphin rush

Working up a sweat releases a flood of endorphins leaving you with that “feel good” feeling of relaxation, satisfaction, and giving you that extra spring in your step,

4.     If exercise has become stale, mix it up by challenging yourself

If the thought of doing the same workout day after day sounds like torture and boredom setting in, try out different forms of exercise.  In fact, it’s best to not do the same routine day in and day out.  Doing so opens the door to injury of constantly repeating the same moves of the same muscles.   

5.     Compete with someone else

It helps to have someone who ups the ante every so often.  A friendly competitive camaraderie as to who can walk a little farther, lift a little heavier, or do one more pushup can keep you charged up in keeping fit.

6.     Keep track of your successes

Sometimes reviewing how far you’ve come from when you first started working out puts things into perspective when progress seems to have stalled.  By keeping a record of miles walked or ran can be very encouraging to see you really have come a long way.

7.     Notice increases in strength and energy levels

When everyone else is complaining of weak muscles or lack of energy, you’ll have just the opposite experience – strong, toned muscles and a reinvigorating feeling of stamina and energy to outlast others.

8.     Listen to your “enthusiastic” inner voice

Sometimes we have to really listen for it, but if we tune in long enough, that voice in our heads can sound positive as in “you can do this.”  Ignore the voice telling you “why are you doing this? You’ll never become fit.”  Think confidently and that reaffirming voice can be heard loud and clear.

9.     Workout in the morning

Squeezing in morning workouts is one of the best ways to start your day making you feel alert and productive the rest of the day.  An additional bonus is jump-starting your metabolism so you continue to burn more calories all day long.

10.   Have good workout music

 Good workout music is a must.  Whether you like your music fast-paced and loud or more mellow and soothing , choose whatever genre you like as long as it gets you off the couch and working out.

11.     Have your workout clothes set out the night before

       Seeing your workout clothes set out reminds you to fit in exercise for the day. Having everything already waiting for you makes it that much easier to get ready.

12.  Remember why you started exercising to begin with

If exercise becomes dull and unappealing, remind yourself of what made you want to start to begin with.  Priorities can change meaning you need to refocus on what made you take this journey and where you’re headed.  Keeping fit is well worth the effort and don’t let anyone tell you it’s not.  Stay positive, stay focused by remembering you’re worthy and deserve the rewards exercise offers.