Many of us begin our fitness journeys with good intentions. With the knowledge that keeping fit is the path towards a happier and healthier life, we map out a plan to achieve a certain goal. And some of us stick to our fitness routines and hit the targets that we set out at the beginning. But then there are those of us who don’t make it. Somewhere along the way, we become demotivated, and this can happen for any number of reasons.
If you’re somebody who loses motivation easily, here are some strategies to help you stick to your fitness goals.
#1: Remember your fitness goal
You don’t necessarily need a goal to motivate you into fitness, but it certainly helps. You will then have a reason to get up and work out each day. So, keep your goal in mind. Whether you’re keeping fit to lose weight, to strengthen your muscles, or to compete in an endurance race, such as the Salt Lake City Marathon, remember the ‘why’ behind your reason to keep fit and let it motivate you to keep going. Add photos of your goal around your home. Put reminders of the things you are shooting for within your car, workspace, any highly traffic’d area. Seeing these reminders can help motivate you to push through, even when you are tired, irritated or just plain feeling lazy. (yes, we all feel lazy)
#2: Add variety to your exercise program
Boredom is a common reason why people give up on their fitness journeys, and this is because their fitness routines become just that – a routine! So, don’t let working out become a chore for you. Try new pieces of equipment if you’re working out at the gym. Take the scenic route when you’re going out for a run. Try Pilates! Did you know Thrive Yoga and Wellness is now the only fully equipped Pilates Studio in E. Brainerd? That means you have the opportunity to work with some of the most advanced and targeted exercises close to your home. We now how 3 certified Pilates Instructors so you are sure to find an instructor and time to fit your needs and schedule. Pilates can help you find new ways to keep fit outside of your usual routine. So, instead of running every day, you might want to get on your bike occasionally instead or come in for a group Mat Pilates class. And instead of hitting the gym each week, experiment with yoga, martial arts, team sports, or any other kind of exercise activity.
#3: Ask for help
If you aren’t getting the results you hoped for, don’t be afraid to ask somebody for help. Book a session with a personal trainer and benefit from the advice they can give to you. Did you know that Jennifer Dixon is a Certified Nutrition and Fitness Coach in addition to the Chattanooga area’s Only Authorized Ashtanga teacher, Comprehensively Certified Pilates Instructor, and she holds her ERYT 500 with Yoga Alliance? Here at Thrive Yoga and Wellness, you will find a plethora of opportunities to work on reaching your fitness goals. Plus, with the friendly, open community at Thrive, you will be able to turn to your fitness-loving friends and learn from the lessons they can teach you. This is better than going it alone and becoming frustrated when you don’t meet your targets.
#4: Make a schedule that works for you
People struggle to keep to their fitness schedules for one very good reason: The schedules they set don’t work for them. So, consider this for yourself. If getting up at 6 am every day to work out feels like torture to you, don’t do it! You will only become demotivated if you do, as there will be days when you want to curl up under your duvet instead. Find the time of day that suits you best and as far as you can, stick to it. This might be after you have dropped the kids off on the school run. Or it might be when the temperatures are less hot of an evening. Whenever it is, make sure it’s realistic for you and your lifestyle, as you will be more likely to stick to it. Check out this beginner’s guide to creating a workout plan for more advice.
You understand the importance of keeping fit so don’t fall at the first hurdle! Use one or all of our strategies and experience greater success as you embark on your fitness journey.