Ways to keep motivated to exercise
We all need a little motivation now and again…
Most of us respond well to being motivated by others, but wouldn’t it be great if we could improve our skills to motivate ourselves? How powerful could that be! We are all motivated by different things, so go searching for what motivates you.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
A Healthy Day Note - Write down in point form what your perfect healthy day would be made up of. Make it simple & positive. E.g. “I will exercise for one hour today”, “I will eat healthy” (include what this entails), “I will enjoy the feeling of being healthy and active”. Read it when you first get up in the morning. It is amazing how effective this can be.
Training Diary - Keeping a record of your exercise will keep you focused on your goals and is extremely motivating as you can see your improvements.
Note down type of activity and duration, your mood and energy levels, and achievements of short term goals. Here are some tools that will work with your heart rate monitor to help you record your sessions.
Focus on the Positive – You might feel tired or you might have a headache, but if your focus is on how much better you will feel after getting some fresh air and exercise, then you have the power to change your day for the better.
Exercise with Friends – Training with a friend is more fun but will also set you up for a stronger commitment to your planned sessions. Enter an event together and tell all your other friends that you are attending this event.
Motivation Photo – Hang up a photo that motivates you. E.g. of yourself at the fitness level you want to get back to, a photo of the event you want to attend, or maybe some motivational quotes…
Motivational Videos/books/audio books – Watch a video that inspire you. Read a motivating book or listen to a motivating book in the car when driving to work. It will be sure to set you up for the day! Watch this video
Play your Power Song – We all love music and it can be very effective in making you feel good, motivated and cheer you up. Have it ready for a rainy day and press play!
Positive Rewards – Reward yourself when you have done well. Make it positive rewards such as a weekend away, new clothes, a massage etc. One idea is to put $ in a piggy bank every time you exercise and this is your reward to treat yourself.
Success Stories – Read a book or watch a video about people who have achieved their goals.
“Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination”
