Do you hate working out? Sometimes just getting started on an exercise plan is difficult, and lack of motivation is the most common reason why people don’t get moving.
You know that exercise helps you be healthier — so commit to getting active.
Create an exercise plan of activities you enjoy, then follow these tips to give you the get-up-and-go you need to start your workout program — and stick with it.
Focus On Why You Need to Workout
Your reasons for working out can be physical, emotional, or both. Dig deep and ask yourself: “Why will exercise be good for me?” Maybe it’s to help you control your weight, or improve your self-esteem or energy levels. Or to help you lower your blood pressure or blood sugar. Whatever it is, it’s unique to you.
Set SMART Goals
When you’ve figured out the most important reasons why to exercise, set specific goals and create an action plan. Keep your goals visible to remind you what you want to achieve.
Write motivational notes and stick them on your bathroom mirror or on your fridge: “I want to be healthier!” “Exercising gives me energy!” “Working out helps lower my blood sugar!” “Get up and GO!” “You can DO this!”
Visualize Success
Think about how you’ll feel in 6 months if you don’t start working towards your goal today. Probably not too good. Now see yourself in 6 months after you’ve hit your goal. You’ll feel amazing, right? So get started today to be a healthier and happier you!
Do Activities You Enjoy
You don’t have to go to a gym to work out. You can exercise in the comfort of your home, at a local park — even walking laps at your local mall. The most important thing is to feel comfortable with your activity and enjoy doing it. That way you’ll stick with it and even have fun.
Get Some Exercise Buddies
It can be hard to exercise when you’re doing it alone. So ask friends and family to work out with you. They’ll help you stay on track you’ll have more fun — plus, exercise is good for them, too!
Find Inspiration from Others
Working out isn’t just about moving. You also need to work on your personal development. Read or listen to inspirational books or podcasts. Talk with others who’ve had success achieving their goals. Surround yourself with positivity and people who share your goals. It can be really motivating to create a vision board of what you want to look and feel like — and keep it where you can see it every day
Schedule Some Daily ‘Me Time’
Make your health and well-being a priority. Your health is just as important as anyone else’s. Read a book. Listen to music. Have a bubble bath. Or just sit quietly and breathe deep breaths.
Commit to the 5-Minute Rule
Even when you’re not feeling up to it, do just 5 minutes of exercise, and most likely you’ll want to keep going. If you need a few days’ rest, don’t feel guilty to take them. Then get going again. A 5-minute start is better than no activity at all.
Celebrate Victories
Exercise is not just about losing weight. So don’t just focus on your scales. As well as your clothes fitting better, give yourself a big pat on the back for managing your blood sugar better, having a positive mindset, and having more confidence, self-esteem, energy, and focus. Celebrate what exercise does for YOU, and how much healthier YOU feel!
Be Patient
If your goal is weight loss, be patient. Changes take time. Weighing yourself more frequently has been proven to be a powerful tool for successful weight loss. However, try choosing one day a week, the same day at the same time, to assess your progress. It’s more motivating than judging minor movements up or down. Find the right balance for you, between the need for information, accountability, and anxiety reduction.
Experiment and Have Fun!
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise. If you don’t enjoy the activities you do, or you can’t do them, you’ll be less motivated to exercise. So try different types of activities until you find the ones that work for you and you enjoy doing.
Being active has many benefits for your health. Follow these tips to help you find your motivation to start and stick with an exercise plan you love.
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