Any time you try to change your daily routine it is hard to make the change permanent. When you are trying to make yourself do something your mind keeps telling you is no fun or hurts, it is even harder to keep going. If you have been a couch potato for a number of years and have just decided to start a new exercise routine, you will have more days you struggle to get up and go than you have days you just do the routine. When you are first planning your exercise, make a list of different ways to keep the motivation high so you have it ready for the slow days. Thinking about exercising will not help you reach your fitness goals; you have to get up and do it.
Tack a Picture of you in a Bathing Suit to the Bathroom Mirror
Good motivation provides you with a solid reason to get moving. Seeing yourself in a bathing suit will remind you of what you look like. A picture always makes you look worse than what you see in the mirror. It will give you incentive to get out and do your exercising or stay looking the way you do in the photo.
Get the Right Mindset
You need to play pretend for a few minutes. If you are a morning exerciser, which is a great way to start your day, lie in bed a few minutes stretching and acting as if you were an athlete in training. Whatever your favorite sport is, think of yourself in training for try-outs. Make it good, visualize yourself playing on the team.
Join a Community Sport Team
When you make a commitment to be on a team you are more apt to go to practice and get some exercise than just trying to do it all alone. Being part of a team is fun and social and doesn’t seem as much like exercise. Don’t worry about skill or ability; this is just a team to have a good time.
Reward Yourself
This one will take a bit of will-power itself, but give yourself some type of reward every time you exercise. It could be as simple as adding a couple of dollars to a fund to get something special you have wanted. The will-power comes in with not buying the special item until you have saved enough with your exercise to buy it. If your reward is something else, make sure the only time you have it is after you exercise. No cheating on this.
Get a Pair of Pants in your Goal Size
Having a pair of really nice pants you can hardly wait to wear will give you a lot of motivation. If you are going to a special event in the near future, get your outfit now, and a size or two smaller than what you are currently wearing. Put it someplace you are bound to see it frequently.
Keep a list of the reasons you are trying to lose weight or increase your exercise handy. Ask yourself a few questions any time you convince yourself NOT to get moving.
· How important is my health to my family?
· How much better will I fell if I get up and work out today?
· How much more energy will I have once I get back in shape?
Remember, starting to exercise is not just about looking good and losing some weight. Everyone needs to do some type of exercise regularly to stay healthy.
Victoria is a freelance writer who loves to share her thoughts and opinions with others. She invites you to check out this BistroMD code and this TRX training promotional code.