Workout motivation is extremely challenging to maintain. Between busy schedules, taking care of our families and enjoying a few moments to ourselves, exercise is so often one of the first priorities to get set aside, yet it is vital to our mental, physical and emotional health as women. If you are looking to jump-start a new attitude towards fitness, or simply need a refresher, here are 8 workout motivation techniques to help get you on track - and stay there.
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1. Set a Goal
If you don’t know where you are going, how will you know when you get there? Find workout motivation in setting a clear, realistic and inspiring fitness related goal for yourself. Looking to achieve a healthier weight? Always dreamed of running a marathon? Whatever your goal, set it today and draw on it for inspiration in every workout.
2. Create a Schedule
It is easier to put something off that is not a part of your schedule. Joining exercise classes, meeting with a trainer, or simply working out at the same time every day can encourage a strong sense of habit toward your fitness plan and give you the motivation to head to the gym when you might have otherwise overlooked the opportunity.
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3. Wear Fabulous Workout Gear
Whether you are an avid fitness queen, or trying the gym for the first time, what you wear to workout truly does impact how you feel about the experience and how motivated you are to continue. Stock up your closet with comfortable, functional and flattering exercise clothing - free from distracting garments and pieces that don’t do you justice you will be instead able to focus on giving your all to each workout.
4. Spread the Word
Now that you have set your goal, found some fierce workout gear and are headed on the right track, share your fitness plans with your friends and family. The people who love you and want to see you succeed can be an invaluable tool for workout motivation - cheering you on, supporting your efforts, and helping to keep you accountable.
5. Buy a Target Outfit
Take note fashionistas: purchasing a top, dress or jeans one size smaller can act as an inspiring push to keep you working out. Hang the goal piece somewhere you can see it daily, and remind yourself how fabulous you will feel when you achieve your target. Word to the wise though - this strategy is meant as positive motivation, so do not sabotage your results by purchasing garments several sizes too small and expecting miracles.
6. Do What You like
It is nearly impossible for most of us to stay motivated for something we do not truly care for. While spin class might seem like a brilliant idea in theory, if you can’t stand it, chances are you’ll struggle to find reasons to stay motivated, give it your best, or even continue going. Play with the odds and stick to activities you really enjoy. Does this mean every workout will be fun? Unlikely. But you will experience greater success overall and probably find yourself more motivated to return after the tougher workouts.
7. Track Your Progress
It is so important to track and monitor the progress of your fitness goals. Whether related to weight, strength, endurance or general well-being, record the ups and downs of your journey and it will be much easier not only to identify the things that are working, or not working, for you, but it will also serve as great motivation to clearly see how far you’ve come and how much you continue to accomplish.
8. Reward Yourself
Another fantastic source of workout motivation, reward systems are designed to celebrate your progress by offering you a fun and healthy treat when you reach a milestone. Personalize your plan and focus on pushing through those fitness barriers to achieve your reward on the other side. Whether it be a new book, a manicure, or that silk scarf you’ve been eyeing, you earned it!
No matter where you are at in terms of your fitness and health goals it never hurts to re-focus in on your workout motivation techniques. These strategies will help you through the difficult times and inspire you to give your all in the positive moments of physical activity. You deserve to look and feel your best and with a little effort and a little inspiration, you can get that much closer to your goals. How do you stay motivated for your workouts?
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Comments
Anonymous: my goal is to build muscle, but thats not really my goal. my real goal is to be a happier, fitter,and healthier me. and to get my ass off the computer, since i use the computer for more than 4 hours everyday
Gina: My goal is to be lean and toned. I've gained weight in my 30's (metabolism has slowed down) so now it's time to get healthy and fit.
Jenny: I gained some weight last year so I'm trying to lose 10 pounds. (I gained 20 but I was pretty thin to start out with, so I liked how I looked better after gaining 10.) In the past when I would work out - and for years I exercised all the time - I did things that I didn't really enjoy, so I burned out on it and just couldn't motivate myself to keep going after awhile. About a month ago I discovered pilates, which I LOVE! And last week I started back on the elliptical runner. (I used to go crazy on that thing for an hour 6 days a week - now I'm doing 20 minutes, which is easier to fit into my day.) You're right, you have to find something that you like to do in order to stay motivated. Another thing that has motivated me is that it makes me more confident naked to have a flat tummy, and sex is definitely better when you're in shape! :)
alissa: I've gained a lot of weight in the past few years. I'll be celebrating my 2 year anniversary in a few months and I would love to lose some weight by then. I'm not at all as confident or outgoing as I used to be and I know this is because of my weight. I'm so self concious and it holds me back. Everytime I start going to the gym, after a couple of weeks I miss a day or two because of work or school and then I start slacking and don't go back. The truth is all I need to do is get up a little earlier in the mornings and then I'll have plenty of time to get in a good workout to start off my day! I'm going to print out these motivation techniques and keep them in my purse so whenever I grab my purse and head out the door, if I haven't made it to the gym yet, I'll be reminded of these techniques, and will have to go before the day is over. Thank you so much for posting these! This is such an amazing website! I look forward to starting a new, healthy life and I'll be using the website to help me along the way! :)
Brooke: Trying to lose 49 pounds after 3 babies! Found this site on pinterest. Love it!
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