When it comes to exercise, it's amazing the things we will do to procrastinate, or the excuses we will come up with. Getting motivated to exercise can be tough, but there are a number of things you can do if you're serious about increasing your motivation.
Motivate Yourself with Sport
The best thing you can do to get motivated to exercise is start playing a sport. Find something that you like. You don't necessarily have to be good at your chosen sport either. The important thing is that it's something you enjoy.
Competitive sport is one of the best forms of exercise because it's not only fun, but it forces you exercise without even thinking about it. The emphasis is on fun, not on fitness. The fitness is a by-product. In contrast, going on the treadmill at the gym can be pretty boring. It's like a chore.
Playing sports competitively helps you perfect tactics and skill. This is also very motivating.
Do your chosen sport or exercise a couple of times a week with different people. Perhaps do different sports. This way, the other people will motivate you to come, and if you miss a session, you haven't got a whole week to wait before the next exercise session, which would severely reduce your chances of keeping the momentum going.
Join a Community
If sports aren't for you, perhaps consider martial arts, yoga, pilates, aerobics, or something else where you can join a community. A running, swimming, or cycling club could also be appealing, or maybe they're not different enough? What about climbing, canoeing, or surfing? Use your imagination and bring some excitement to your exercise!
Joining a community will give you accountability, hopefully your friends will push you to exercise. It's also great fun. It's a chance to socialize and meet new people while improving your fitness. In addition, you will be pushed by your instructor further than you would push yourself. This will produce results - and motivate you further.
What About Going to the Gym?
If you want the benefits of interacting with other people or in exercising with sophisticated equipment, then by all means, taking the time to go work out at a gym can be a good motivator. The thought of a hot spa after exercise can also be fantastic motivation.
However, the gym can also be very boring. Even paying a yearly fee is often not enough motivation, this is why many gyms demand it. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that the gym is the only way to stay fit. There are countless ways to get exercise.
Eliminate Excuses
The dishes will still be there when you come back.
If you injure yourself, do something different while you heal.
Buy some good shoes.
Forget about results. They may take time to become visible.
Plan your eating around your exercise, make sure you have enough energy.
It's never too cold to exercise.
If it seems too hot, it means your muscles will be less prone to injury. Drink lots of water.
Never mind the rain, you're going to sweat anyway.
Embarrassed? Do you think top footballers feel embarrassed?
Feelings of tiredness will disappear about 30 seconds into your exercise, guaranteed.
Slow and Steady
When you first make the effort to start a healthy lifestyle, whether it be eating or exercise or both, you may be all fired up. Be careful not to burn out. It should not be all or nothing. The important thing is that you do at least some exercise a few times a week. It's far better to do 5 minutes a day than 3 hours once and then give up.
When it comes to exercise, something is always better than nothing.
If All Else Fails - Walk
A brisk walk, even a few times a week, can get you into the exercise mindset. Get off your train or bus early. Or go for a walk an hour after dinner. You'll notice the benefits even if you just do 20 minutes walking every couple of days. Get that heart pumping, and the endorphins will make you wonder why you never started earlier. Remember that feeling to motivate yourself to exercise the next day, or to begin a proper exercise routine.
Make walking a way of life - it's good for the environment too!
Your Own Exercise Schedule
If you can motivate yourself to exercise at home, you can save time and money by not going to a gym.
You may consider writing down a tentative workout schedule of particular exercises. Working out specific muscle groups on particular days will give other muscles time to rest and repair themselves into more toned and stronger tissues.
At least stretch in the morning and maybe do some light cardiovascular exercise.
In the evening, spend at least 20 minutes on cardiovascular exercise. This could be a run, aerobics, swimming, or using some equipment such as a rowing machine. After that, do some weight lifting. Warm down with leg kicks and punches. Close the session with stretching.
Motivate Yourself With the Benefits of Exercise
In the long run, moderate exercise can help to increase your life span. You'll feel a stronger sense of personal power and increase confidence. Being fit, healthy, toned, and strong will also increase your survival rate in dangerous or life-threatening situations. A toned and lean body feels healthier than an out-of-shape body. You'll be more attractive to potential partners.
Immediate benefits of exercise include feeling well physically and mentally. Regular exercise will give your more energy, better sleep, and a better immune system. You'll have more stamina which will allow you to entertain more activities in your life.
If you are depressed, exercise can help clear your mind and allow you to reassess sources of stress.
Motivated Yet?
Exercise on a regular basis has many benefits. Performing in a sport adds excitement and motivation.
Even moderate exercise can help to increase your life span. Immediate benefits include feeling well physically and mentally. A toned and lean body feels healthier than an out-of-shape body. You'll have more energy and stamina and the desire to do more activities in your life.
Exercise increases your personal power and confidence.
A healthy, toned, and strong body increases your survival rate.
Create an exercise schedule to help motivate you to keep on working out. Have at least a couple of appointments with others.
Surround yourself with people who will motivate you to exercise.
Do at least some exercise, even if it's just walking. Build it up slowly.
