There are a lot of reasons why people might want to start exercising, but sometimes it can be hard to find the motivation to get started says Alex Gierbolini.
Here are 15 tips on how to get motivated and stick with your exercise routine.
1. Set realistic goals.
Don’t try to start out by running a marathon – begin by setting small goals that you can easily achieve, like walking for 30 minutes every day. Once you’ve accomplished your goal, set a new one.
2. Find an exercise buddy.
Nothing keeps you motivated quite like a friend who is also trying to get in shape. Work out together, share tips and encouragement, and have fun!
3. Make time for it.
If you schedule your workouts like you would any other appointment, you’re more likely to stick to them. Put them on your calendar and treat them as seriously as you would any other meeting or obligation.
4. Reward yourself.
After completing a tough workout, give yourself a small reward – something that feels good and is guilt-free, like taking a hot bath or buying you a new book says Alex Gierbolini.
5. Stay positive.
When you start to feel like giving up, remember why you started exercising in the first place. Remind yourself of your goals and how good you’ll feel when you finally achieve them.
6. Set a deadline.
If you have a big event coming up – like a wedding or reunion – set a date by which you want to be in shape and work towards that goal.
7. Change things up.
If you’re bored with your current routine, try something new. Sign up for a dance class, take up hiking, or start swimming laps.
8. Make it social.
Exercising with friends is more fun and can make the time go by faster. Join a running club, find people to work out with at the gym, or meet for walks in the park.
9. Take care of yourself.
When you’re feeling run down, it’s harder to find the motivation to work out. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and drinking plenty of water.
10. Get organized.
If your workout clothes are piled in a corner or your sneakers are buried at the bottom of your closet, it’s hard to make the commitment to exercise. Set up a designated area for your gear and make it easy to grab what you need before you head out the door.
11. Make a list of reasons why you want to be fit and healthy.
Keep this list somewhere where you can see it every day, like on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror explains Alex Gierbolini. When tempted to skip a workout, take a look at all the great reasons why you should stick with it.
12. Set a time limit.
If you’re not sure how long you should work out, start with 10 or 15 minutes and gradually increase the time as you get more fit.
13. Take it one step at a time.
Don’t try to do too much too soon. You may be sore or tired in the beginning, but that’s okay – it means your body is adjusting to the new routine.
14. Find an exercise you enjoy.
If you don’t like running, don’t run. Choose an activity you enjoy so you’ll be more likely to stick with it.
15. Make a commitment.
The only way to really stick with an exercise routine is to make a commitment to you. Tell your friends and family about your goals; put them in writing, or even sign up for a class at the gym.
Conclusion:
So there you have it – 15 tips on how to get motivated and stick with your exercise routine says Alex Gierbolini. Just remember to take things one step at a time, stay positive, and be patient – it takes time and effort to get in shape.
The bottom line is that there are a lot of different ways to find the motivation to start exercising, and what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to be patient, stay positive, and keep trying until you find something that helps you stick with it.