Ways to Motivate Yourself for Your Workout
By Emily Lindholm
Most people think that since I'm a Pilates instructor, working out is never an issue for me. Boy, are they wrong! Don't get me wrong, I love working out, but I still have to motivate myself just like everybody else. I believe this to be true for most athletes as well. We all have to self-motivate ourselves to work out, especially with busy lifestyles and families.
It's easy to love the way that fitness makes you feel, but it's another thing to make yourself do it. In all honesty, I do best when I'm attending classes. If I work out at home, I'll stop when it's "just enough." Can you relate? Well, here's a guide on how to fall in love with fitness on a deeper level. There are several ways that we can motivate ourselves and begin to love or fitness routines. I've found that this list has really been working for me, and fitness has been higher on my to-do list when I'm not at work. I hope it works for you too!
Just Do It
This may sound cliche, but when I say "just do it," I mean get your mind out of the way! Our minds are masters at convincing us to become distracted by other things. The best way to get started is to push those thoughts aside and just get moving. Set a time, such as first thing in the morning, and stick to it. As for distractions, most of the time, these can wait. If you're feeling overrun by your to-do list, do a shorter workout. You'll be glad you did something!
Use Your Network
People are more motivated when they have someone else with them working towards the same goals. I guarantee you've got at least one friend out there in the same place as you, wanting to increase their level of exercise. Find a buddy, or at least an accountability partner. Even if it's just someone to go on a walk outside with a few times a week, give them a call and get out there. Besides, friends walking in nature is some of the best medicine for the mind and body.
Pick Your Favorites
No one ever said that hitting the gym and lifting weights was for everybody. Choose what makes you happy, such as playing tennis or rollerblading. Take some new classes, try out new things. If you love variety, try a few different activities throughout the week. Mix it up! Don't be afraid to just love dancing in your living room. That's exercise too!
Rest and Recover
Be sure to give yourself quality recovery time so that you don't get burnt out. Rest is just as important as exercise, as long as there's a balance between the two. Give yourself breaks, and be easy on yourself. I guarantee you'll love exercise if you give yourself the downtime your body needs afterward!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bothell, Wash.