One of the more difficult aspects of stying on an exercise program, is staying motivated. Sure, you can look in the mirror, and know you want to improve your strength, your physique, or loose weight. But, finding motivation to exercise is another matter. Here’s top tips for improving your motivation to exercise.
Conventional wisdom says things like, “If you do something for 3 weeks, it becomes a habit.” So, it’s now been 4 weeks. You’ve been working out consistently, and are feeling good. But, you’re tired. Or the weather sucks. Or you just don’t have time. So, you find an excuse to skip that next workout. Then you rationalize that missed workout, and use that excuse again. Next thing you know, your workouts – and results – are inconsistent.
Fortunately, there is a solution. Economists and psychologists have been studying what makes us stick with a habit, even when we don’t want to do it.
Motivation Tip #1: Reward Yourself – Although you may feel at times that the workout is it’s own reward, going beyond vague concepts to concrete rewards is far more effective. Tell yourself you can have that smoothie, or watch your favorite show after you complete your workout can be key to getting yourself over that motivational “hump”
Motivation Tip #2: Create a Contract – This is kind of an expansion of the first tip, but more of a longer term reward. If you can visualize the benefits of what you’re doing, you’re more likely to stick with it to achieve that benefit. Create a contract for yourself that you can refer to when you’re not feeling motivated, that tells you what you will achieve by fulfilling your “self-contract for exercise”. And, include in that contract what the cost will be if you “break” that contract.
Motivation Tip #3: Visualize Success – and Failure – You can imagine the benefits of what you’re trying to achieve. But, have you thought about what will happen if you don’t? If you can visualize what you’ll be like without your workout, whether it’s this summer at the beach, or in 10 years, your more likely to want to avoid that result, and want to fulfill that desire for personal improvement.
At Fitness 4 Home Superstore, we carry the industry’s top cardio equipment, strength equipment, and fitness accessories to help you achieve your fitness goals. Using quality equipment in your home is a great way to also keep your motivation for exercise at a peak level – stop into any of our three Phoenix-area locations to learn about our full selection of home fitness equipment and accessories!
