Tips for Staying Motivated to Work Out

It has become common knowledge that exercising on a consistent basis will keep our minds and bodies running at their best and fullest capacities. Despite this knowledge, sometimes we have trouble staying motivated to stick to an exercise routine. Things like work, kids, and keeping the house often take precedence over it. However, there are a few small changes that can be made that would not only fit into your daily routines, but give you the incentive to become more committed to your work-outs.

Implement physical activity as part of your daily routine

Sometimes, it’s the small changes that make the biggest impact on our lives. Simply deciding to take the stairs at work instead of the elevator could boost your endorphins enough for that morning meeting. Or parking in the back of the parking lot at the grocery store. Doing this gives a few extra steps pushing that heavy cart all the way to your car. Taking opportunities throughout the day to do little exercises will give you a bit of extra pep in your step, and keep you moving forward.

Set Small and Achievable Goals

Instead of setting a goal of losing a total of 25 pounds, why not start smaller? Give yourself a goal of five pounds in one month. This way you will be able to see the results on a more consistent basis, thus keeping you motivated to continue the journey. In addition, the feeling of satisfaction to have met your goal will give you a sense of accomplishment.

Give Yourself Rewards and Forgiveness

Once your goals are in place, plan out rewards for when you achieve them. These rewards do not have to be anything extravagant, but should be something that you do want. For example, maybe a new exercise outfit, or that cool cell phone case you've been eyeing. However, if you are unable to reach your set goal for some reason, give yourself a break. Take a few minutes to really think about why the goal was not within your reach this time. Maybe it has been extra busy at work this month, or you were having a family issue that ate into your exercise time. You are human, and sometimes life just gets in the way of what we are working towards. Forgive yourself, and no matter what, do not use this minor glitch as a reason to give up. Rather, use this temporary setback as motivation to do better next time.

Find the Fun and Share it with Others

One of the reasons work-out routines fail is they feel like a chore. Why not seek out a cool new dance class? Attending a class gives a level of accountability for you to show up and perform. In addition, the camaraderie and banter within the group can help to make the time pass by more quickly.

Maybe if taking a class is not quite your cup of tea, you might think, is a high energy dog right for me? Our furry friends need their exercise as much as we do. Having a dog may give you a chance at the physical activity without it feeling like a workout. Make it a family event to chase the dog around the back yard or park. Including others keeps the mood light, and brings a sense of fun to your work-out.

All too often, we tend to talk ourselves out of performing our exercise routines. This is because we usually feel like it is a task that needs to be done, rather than an opportunity to get moving. Avoid falling into this trap by keeping your mind focused on the benefits that exercise can offer overall. Make it fun by getting friends and family involved; or try something new to break up the monotony of your exercise routine. And take advantage of some of the small things you can do throughout your day to keep your work-out going.