For some people, motivation to exercise may come from the desire to be healthy. For others, it may be to lose weight. You may think that motivation will come to you if you wait long enough – that you’ll wake up one day and have that willingness to exercise. But the reality is, motivation is something you need to create for yourself. Here, we will enumerate 10 ways to get fitness motivation that may make it easier for you to reach your goals.
Ways to Get Fitness Motivation
1. Set and write down your goals
The first way to get fitness motivation is having something to work for. Your goal could be anything that will give you a reason to exercise – to lose weight, to engage in sports, or to lead a healthier lifestyle. Set daily (e.g., “I will walk for 20 minutes today”) and weekly (e.g., “I will do at least 3 workouts this week”) goals. To ensure you always remember, write down your goals. Look at that list often. Always having something to work for, whether big or small, will help to keep you going.
2. Find a workout buddy
Time flies when you’re having fun, and this saying is applicable when you’re working out with a buddy. It definitely helps when you have someone to cheer you on. Just when you think you cannot do another rep, your pal is there to say you can. When people make connections with others who are pursuing similar goals and share common values, they become more motivated to work out.
3. Put together a workout playlist
Load your phone with your favorite songs. Turn them up when you’re feeling bored or tired exercising. As we all know, music can affect us in many ways, and having a playlist ready can provide the extra boost of motivation you need.
4. Variety, variety, variety
Don’t do the same workouts all the time. Mix it up! For example, you can alternate running, riding a bike, and doing some bodyweight training. It’s a great way to make your exercise routine more fun so you’ll stick to it long-term.
5. Stop eating unhealthy food
Eating high-sugar and processed foods can make your body feel lazy, unmotivated, and grumpy. It can also lead to chronic diseases later in life. To avoid this scenario, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables that will provide the right mix of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. When you’re getting all the nutrients you need, you’ll feel stronger and more energized while doing your workouts.
6. Wear a fitness tracker
Wearing a fitness tracker can motivate most people to work out. Depending on the brand and model, this gadget can track steps taken, heart rate, calories burned, and even the quality of your sleep. There are many brands to choose from like Fitbit, Samsung, and Garmin. If you want to buy a fitness tracker, click here.
7. Consider exercising as “you” time
If you find yourself stressed because you don’t have time to work out, think of exercise as “you” time – a chance to relieve stress and relax. Consider it as a treat rather than a chore. This will help you focus on the workout instead of counting down the minutes left.
8. Track your progress
Track your progress in a journal. Logging inches or pounds lost (if you’re goal is to lose weight), or inches or pounds gained (if you’re goal is to build muscle) might work for you. Notice changes in how clothes fit, your ability to lift heavier weights, or having the stamina to run for longer. Appreciating how far you’ve come in reaching your fitness goals can help keep you on track.
9. Choose fun activities
Exercise doesn’t have to be a burden. Moving your body can be something that you will enjoy. If the activities you’ve been doing don’t excite you anymore, find something new that will. Taking a stroll at the mall or dancing to your favorite music, perhaps?
10. Reward yourself
Treat yourself when you reach your goal. It might be something small, like buying new clothes, or something big, like a vacation to a destination you’ve always wanted to take. Looking forward to a reward you set when reaching your goal can provide a lot of motivation.
Conclusion
These 10 ways to get fitness motivation can help you reach your fitness goals. Each day is different. Sometimes you may feel motivated like you could run a marathon. Other days you might just want to lay in bed all day long. That’s normal. It’s all about finding the right balance between exercise and relaxation.
Exercising at home with engaging workout videos like those in the FITin56 program can definitely help. Always remember to keep your eyes on the prize and never give up until you get to where you want to be. You’ll start seeing results in no time.