The World Health Organization (WHO) says that 1 in 4 adults aren’t getting the right amount of exercise and physical activity, with the percentages rising to 26% of men and 35% of women lacking physical activity in developed, high-income countries. Changing your routine isn’t always easy, but with the right amount of pre-planning and dedication, you can make working out every day something you look forward to!
- Frame your fitness goal
First, take time to think about what your fitness goals will look like when you achieve them. Is weight loss your goal, or are you working towards participating in a marathon? Whatever your goals, frame them carefully, and then plan all the steps you will take to eventually meet these goals. Make sure you plan for some sort of exercise every day and be ready to adjust your plan as you go!
- Quality over quantity workout
Take the time to research what exercises you should learn, and how to do them correctly. Certain exercises or routines will get you to your goals faster, but only if you do them right! Some people need a little extra help at the beginning of their journey, and hiring a private trainer or taking a class is a great way to make sure all your activity is productive.
- Dress for a workout
Research shows that humans respond to “enclothed cognition,” where simply dressing the part fuels your ambition to act and succeed. Investing in a great set of workout clothes is a great way to make sure you look good and feel good on your fitness journey. When we look good, we are more confident and more energized, so treat yourself to good-looking and high-quality workout clothing before you get started. If your budget is lacking at the moment, check out a local thrift store of Goodwill for lightly used workout clothing at a fraction of the cost of buying it new!
- Look for a workout mate
Enlisting the help of a friend to work out with you is a great way to make sure you stay motivated and have someone to encourage you along the way. There are also certain exercises you can only do effectively with a friend to help or spot you. Finally, choosing a motivated friend with the same fitness goals means the extra encouragement you need when you are struggling or tired.
- Write down how you feel after every workout
Some people like to keep a workout or fitness journal, to track their process and stay motivated. Consider buying a small book to keep track of all your exercises or weights, or start an online journal with before, after, and mid-workout pictures, for some extra motivation and excitement. There are thousands of fitness journals available online for under $10. Sometimes the motivation you get from your online friends and contacts can be all the motivation you need to keep it up!
- Use fitness gadgets
Just as you need the right equipment to get the most out of your daily workouts, using the right fitness gadgets will help keep you motivated and track your progress. Some choose to invest in a fitness tracking watch or wristband to track their daily steps, calories, and exercise. Others invest in wireless earbuds to keep their hands free while they work out. You can even repurpose your wireless gear to tune out ambient home or office noise and really focus on work.
- Change your routine
Keeping the same routine is an easy way to get bored. Make sure you plan to change your workout routine from time to time to keep it interesting. For example, commit a few weeks to run and cardio, and then shift into the gym or take a class, to ensure your workout never gets stale. Change up your rest days as well, and be prepared to make more adjustments as necessary to really move your plans forward.
- Don’t over-promise
One of the fastest ways to lose motivation is to over-commit or over promise yourself. If you choose such lofty fitness goals that you can’t reach them, you’ve already failed. Try taking small steps. Start by committing yourself to lose a simple 5 pounds, or running an extra 5 minutes. As you get further in the process, add more goals and move at your own pace, to ensure you are never overwhelmed.
Finding the motivation to succeed at your fitness goals means taking time every day to refocus and recommit. You must prioritize your fitness, and focus on it daily to see real and lasting results and the accompanying lifestyle changes that come with it. Good luck out there on your fitness journey and stay beautiful!
*Disclosure: This is a guest post by Naomi Shaw. Opinions are 100% her own. TMC was not paid for this post.
