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.  It can be easy to push working out to the wayside and opting for a more relaxing was to spend your extra time.  But it is crucial that you embrace exercise as it can really make a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.  So how do you make exercise a routine and stay motivated to keep up with in day in and day out?

Well, according to most studies it is moderate exercise that tends to win in the end. There's a place for low and high intensity workouts but keeping a consistent moderate workout routine helps to keep the routine, and make exercise a habit.  But how do you make it a habit to begin with? The hardest part of exercise, after all, is getting started. The key is changing your perspective on exercise and being active. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to run on the treadmill for an hour. But find activities you truly love.

 Love the idea of toning? Do yoga. Enjoy getting your groove on, embrace zumba. There are a million and one options for adding physical activity to your daily routine. Even just 20 minutes can do wonders and after all, is better than nothing. It really is more of a mental holdup to overcome, rather than a physical one.  Here are some tips to keep you motivated and getting out there to exercise: 

1.     Be aware of your emotions and how they trigger you. Instead of judging them, shift back into focusing on your goal despite your feelings.

2.     Make it your identity to be the person who goes to the gym even when you don’t want to.

3.     Decide that fitness and health are two of your core values.

4.     Make specific goals to get you out of bed and exercising.

5.     Make it fun.  We can’t stress this enough.  If working out in a group is fun for you then try it.  Sign up for classes or a recreational sports team. If you like being outside, try hiking, or walking along a scenic path.

6.     Switch it up. Try getting involved in different types of activities so that boredom isn’t the reason you quit your workout routine.  Different exercises or different classes can keep you excited for what’s next, and keep your body guessing.

7.     Exercise after work. Clearly this is the most difficult time of the day to get motivated, after an early rise and a whole day at work.   Exercising at this time however, can give you a surge of energy during a time you would typically be most lazy and use up unspent energy to get you prepped for a deeper sleep later at night.