Motivation is a key factor in sticking to any exercise program, especially when you’re short on time. Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated:
- Find your ‘why’. Ask yourself why you want to start exercising and what benefits you hope to gain. Write down your reasons and keep them in a visible place, such as on your bathroom mirror or fridge, to remind yourself of why you started.
- Set a specific goal. Setting a specific goal can help you stay motivated and focused on what you want to achieve. Whether it is running a 5km run, losing half a stone or improving your flexibility, having a clear goal in mind can help you stay on track and measure your progress.
- Regularly visualise your success. Consider creating a vision board to help you to clearly visualize your goals, making them more tangible and to help you stay motivated. Be creative and include inspiring quotes and uplifting pictures that represent your fitness goals and who you want to be. Display it somewhere you will regularly see it, as a daily reminder of why you are working towards improving your health.
- Make it fun! Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Find activities that you enjoy and make them a part of your routine. Experiment with different types of exercise until you find what works best for you.
- Make it social! Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your goals. Join a fitness group or class or find a workout buddy who shares your goals. You can also work with a health coach or personal trainer who can provide accountability and guidance.
- Track your progress; start small and build gradually. Keeping track of your progress can be a great motivator. Take measurements or photos before you start your exercise program and then track your progress over time. There are various fitness apps and trackers that can help you to track your workouts or use a step counter to motivate you to walk more throughout the day.
- Celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may seem. Treat yourself to a small reward when you reach a milestone in your exercise routine. It could be something as simple as taking a relaxing bath or buying a new workout outfit. This should help keep you motivated and give you something to look forward to.
- Focus on feeling the benefits. Exercise can boost your energy, improve your mood, and reduce stress. Focus on how you feel after a workout, rather than just on the physical results. This can be a powerful motivator to keep going.
Remember, motivation can come and go, but it’s important to keep taking small steps forward even when you don’t feel like it. Over time, exercise will become a habit and part of your lifestyle, making it easier to stay motivated and consistent!
