We all know that there are times when finding the motivation to hit the gym or go for a run is just impossible. Perhaps you took a short break from exercising and now you’re ready to get back to it, but you just can’t find the motivation to do so, or maybe you’re trying to start a new exercise regimen and you’re nervous it won’t go well. Whatever the case may be, it’s no secret that finding the motivation to get started is the hardest part, and that’s why, in today’s post, we will provide you with five tips on how you can stay motivated to exercise.
Exercise is an important part of staying healthy, but all the exercise in the world will be useless if your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or you’re working hard to lose weight, eating the foods that are right for your body is easier than you might think. At Foodology, we are tired of fad diets telling us what we can and can’t eat, which is why we created unique health and nutrition courses that teach you about the food that goes in your body, allowing you to make more informed decisions about what you eat. The best part? Nothing is off the table. If you’re interested in learning how you can transform your relationship with food, reach out to Foodology to get started with our health and nutrition courses today. In the meantime, continue reading below!
Set (Realistic) Goals
You’ve probably heard it said at least once before that it’s important to set goals for yourself, and the same thought applies to exercising. However, what’s important to remember is that the best thing you can do for yourself and your motivation is to set realistic goals. For example, if you set the goal for yourself to be able to run a mile without stopping in two weeks and you’re just starting to learn the proper technique for running, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to achieve your goal, making it difficult for you to find the motivation to keep going. Instead, consider setting smaller, more achievable goals for yourself, such as going to the gym or exercising outside three times in one week or signing up for an exercise class. Being able to hit those smaller goals will make you feel better, and you’ll be able to maintain the motivation you need to hit your bigger goals.
Make It Fun
Despite knowing that exercise is good for you and your health, if it isn’t fun, there’s a good chance that you won’t want to do it. Instead of trying to force yourself to go for a run or go to the gym, consider looking into other activities that bring you joy. If you are someone who likes to spend time outside, think about going for a longer walk while listening to a podcast as opposed to a shorter run. If you like to dance, sign up for a Zumba class, or you can even take a dance class! The important thing to remember is that you need to move your body, but how you choose to move your body is up to you.
Reward Yourself
When it comes to staying motivated about exercise, positive reinforcement can go a long way, which is why we encourage you to reward yourself! That being said, you shouldn’t reward yourself for every single accomplishment, but it’s a good idea to have periodic rewards to celebrate your progress. For example, if it’s your first week going to the gym, plan to go out and get a smoothie or some other healthy treat at the end of the week to celebrate all your hard work. If you’ve recently reached a milestone, such as running a mile or losing a certain number of pounds, consider rewarding yourself with something bigger such as a new workout outfit or a relaxing massage.
Make It Part of Your Routine
One of the best ways to ensure that you stay motivated to exercise is to make it part of your routine. Pick a time during the day where you have anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour of spare time where you can exercise. You may have an hour lunch break at work where you can go to the gym or take a walk outside, or maybe you are someone who doesn’t mind getting up earlier than usual in order to get in a quick workout. Whatever the case may be, making exercise a part of your regular routine will make it easier to stay motivated and stick to your exercise plan.
Get Support From Others
As with any project or life change, it can be difficult to follow through with it if you’re completely on your own. For this reason, if you want to make sure you stick to your exercise goals, we recommend reaching out and getting support from close friends or family members who can provide you with the motivation you need. You may be surprised at what support in any form can do for your motivation, even if it’s just a friend texting you right before a workout. However, if you want to go the extra mile, another great option is to have a friend or family member who can encourage you in person. In fact, it’s easier for most people to exercise or work out at the gym if they have a partner to keep them motivated and hold them accountable to their goals.
Improve Your Health With Foodology!
In addition to following these tips to stay motivated to exercise, Foodology is here to help motivate you to eat healthier without relying on one of the many fad diets. Our health and nutrition courses provide you with more information about the foods you eat and how you can properly balance your diet so that you can eat what you want while also losing weight. If you’re ready to kick fad diets to the curb and finally provide your body with the nutrients it needs, explore the Foodology health and nutrition courses on our website, and contact us today about our eBook!
