Have you ever started an exercise routine, but felt your enthusiasm fade as the days passed by? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. With the beginning of spring, many jump at the opportunity to reignite their fire for getting into shape, but they fail to prepare for the days ahead of them. Here are a few tips to keep you motivated and help you stay on track with your exercise routines:
Set Goals
Everyone can be motivated by goals. Starting with simple goals and then processing to longer range goals have been shown to increase commitment levels due to decreased discouragement. Remember to make your goals realistic and achievable. It’s very easy to get frustrated and give up if your goals are too ambitious.
Think of these goals as finish lines, not deadlines. For example, if you haven’t exercised in a long time, your short-term goal might be to walk 15 minutes a day, three days a week. An intermediate goal might be to walk 30 minutes, five days a week. Your long-term goal could eventually turn into completing your first ever 5k. Even the smallest goals can put you on the track for huge success and progress.
Get a buddy
Having a partner for all your workout efforts makes it more fun and will keep you motivated. A workout buddy also adds extra accountability. You’re far less likely to skip that one-mile walk when you have to stand up your workout buddy in the process. If you can’t find a buddy to work out with, hire a personal trainer to give you that extra push.
Sign up for weekly workout classes
Another sure-fire way to stay motivated and stick to your exercise routine is to sign up for a weekly workout class. If walking and jogging isn’t for you, and you’re ready to dive right in to your new exercise routine, Baptist Health offers a number of different water aerobics classes with varying levels of difficulty. With several different varieties of classes available, you are sure to find the right fit for you.
Reward yourself
Setting goals is a great way to get yourself going in your new exercise routine. If you find yourself losing interest and have a hard time staying motivated, don’t be afraid to offer yourself rewards for any small achievements. Don’t go overboard — small rewards for small goals. Treat yourself to that movie you’ve been wanting to see if you hit your short-term goal of walking 15 minutes a day, three days in one week. Just remember that if your goal is to lose weight, don’t reward yourself with food.
Have some fun and don’t take it too seriously
If you start treating your exercise routine like hard work, eventually that’s exactly what it will become. Make your routine fun and exciting as opposed to looking at it as a chore you have to do. Find some sports or activities that you enjoy. Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be dull — and you’re more likely to stick with a fitness program if you’re having fun.
Staying motivated isn’t hard if you approach your exercise program with an open mind. Be flexible with your routine and remember to have fun. You will begin to enjoy working out, and before you know it, you’ll be looking forward to exercising and wondering how you ever lived without it.