Your Workout and Staying Motivated
Submitted by SharpHealth Team on Saturday 9th October 2010- Setting goals.
- Getting out the door.
- Getting help along the way.
The single most difficult thing about staying fit is finding the motivation to get out the door each day. Staying motivated is not easy. We all lead hectic lives, and often find it nearly impossible to get ourselves going. Having methods that help get you motivated will make it easier to stick to your plan and make your fitness program a success.
Having a hard time getting out of bed or to the gym? Consider taking the following SharpHealth steps:
Set Goals
If you are serious about working out, you should be serious about setting goals. Goal-setting will give your training structure, and help to keep you motivated on those days when you can’t find the extra energy to get off the couch.
You should set your goals high, but make sure they are realistic and attainable. In other words, don’t plan to complete a marathon on two weeks of training. A more sensible goal might be to complete a marathon after six months of consistent training.
Set short-term goals along the way. Short-term goals will give you something to aim for while you work on attaining that long-term goal.
Getting Out the Door
The best way to make sure that you work out on a consistent basis is to schedule your workout for the same time each day. This may sound obvious, but it really does make a big difference. If you have different workout times each day, it is much easier to take a day off when you are unmotivated. Choose an uninterrupted time of the day that works best with your schedule, and stick to it.
SharpMan Tip: If you don’t schedule anything else during this time, it will be easier to stay consistent.
On those days when you just don’t have the zip to get going, don’t completely bag your workout. Give it a shot, and again think of short-term goals. Your goal might be to get started and work out for five minutes, or if you are running, try to make it to the end of the block. Sounds simple, but it can be very difficult when you hear the alarm go off early in the morning, or when you’re dragging at the end of a long day.
The fact is, you'll almost always feel better after only a few minutes of activity, so this little extra push might be enough to get you going each day. Afterwards, you'll usually feel refreshed and ready to tackle your next activity.
Getting Help Along the Way
If you are having a hard time staying motivated, find someone to help you. A training partner may be exactly what you need. A workout buddy will help keep you motivated and can give you the encouragement that you need on those dreary days. Also, knowing that someone is waiting for you each day will make you less likely to leave them hanging come workout time. If you can’t find someone to work out with, consider joining a health and fitness club.
A Final Word on Burnout
Another problem that many SharpMen face is burnout. If you are dreading your daily workout, try something else. There are many other workout options that will give you great results. After a day or two away from your normal workout routine, you will likely feel refreshed and ready to get back at it.
In other words, have a little fun with your workout schedule. Don’t make your workout another stress in your life. Chances are, you started working out to get into shape and to help relieve your stress, right?
Plan a varied workout routine that will keep you going day after day. And don’t forget to reward yourself. You work hard, so give yourself a day off from time to time. Chances are, you will have earned it!
This article last updated on Saturday 9th October 2010