Exercise is a vital part of being healthy and staying in
shape. We all know this, yet knowing it and actually working out are two very
different things.
Lack of motivation, procrastination and not having enough
time are some of the biggest obstacles we face in sticking with a regular
workout routine. Our success is often determined by how much we want it and
what we are willing to do to get it.
Momentum
The hardest part of any undertaking is taking that first
step. Once we take that first step we start to gain momentum. With momentum
comes a great surge of motivation.
After we start to gain motivation the workouts get easier
and easier. Staying motivated is the key to long term success.
Now that we have talked about how momentum creates
motivation, let's take a step back and ask ourselves...
How do we get the motivation to take that first step?
Motivation in the form of a conscious decision is what is
required to take that first step. That is what often makes that first step so
hard.
We have to create the initial motivation to begin, after
all, "energy in motion wants to stay in motion, while energy at rest wants
to stay at rest."
Motivation
Motivation is the catalyst for creating momentum. A little
motivation goes a long way and can create endless momentum if channeled
properly. Staying motivated takes a conscious choice and decision to keep
going.
Find your reason for working out and use that as motivation.
The more you want it the more motivation you will feel.
Imagine for a moment the things you do in your life on a
regular basis, and why you do them.
For example, if you watch football every week without fail,
consider why?
If you love to go to the movies, as yourself why?
Do you mow your lawn every week, why?
Do you clean your house regularly, why?
Do you go to work every day? Why?
All the "whys" are the motivators that keep you
doing those activities.
While some that were mentioned may be fun activities, house
cleaning and mowing the lawn are not so much, and still we do them on a regular
basis.
Work is another good example of something we may not
necessarily enjoy, but, we still do it. Why? Because we have to work to earn
money to buy food and pay rent or else we will end up homeless and starving.
Well at some point you accepted these facts and do not
question them as you go off to work even on days when you would rather do
anything else.
It is possible to reach that same level of commitment to
fitness, with the proper motivation that is.
Common Motivations To Workout
Here are some of the most common reasons people commit to
fitness:
Health
Being a role model for the kids
Weight control
Having a hot body
Preventing chronic disease and early death
Healthy aging
Energy and vitality
Meeting new people at the gym
You must find yours and take it seriously for just as you
can wind up homeless and hungry when you don't go to work, so you can end up
sick, fat and facing early death without exercise.
Action Steps To Stay Motivated
Set a goal and focus on it and put all your energy into it.
Don't overwhelm yourself with a bunch of tasks all at once. Even taking it a
week at a time can work wonders, as you build momentum and go from there.
Be passionate about what you are doing. Passion is
motivation in a bottle.
Stay away from people that will hinder your motivation, such
as, the couch potatoes that we all have in our lives. Instead, meet people at
the gym that have a fitness mindset and create a network of fitness minded
friends.
Pick a set time to workout and stick to it. Use TV, or
social time as a reward after you have done your exercises.
Keep track of your progress and the goals that you have
achieved. These achievements are key to helping to maintain your motivation.
Practice a healthy lifestyle along with your workouts. Eat
healthy, be healthy.
Have fun with your workout routine, choose wisely from the
hundreds of available workouts, enjoying your workout will make it much more
likely that you will stick with it.
Challenge yourself! Don't let your exercise routine become
boring. Add new challenges to stimulate and motivate yourself.
Join a group fitness class. They are fun and highly
motivating and they also offer a wide variety of ways to meet any fitness goals.
There are many different ways to increase your motivation
and to keep it strong, as long as you are willing to take action and create the
momentum needed.
Ultimately it is all up to you. Take the time and do it
right by creating motivation and holding onto it.
