Embarking on your fitness journey can be incredibly fulfilling. However, it can also be tiresome, as motivation doesn’t always come when we need it.
Fortunately, there are some ways to kick motivation in high gear and stay consistent with your diet and exercise.
Let’s review.
1. Set Realistic and Attainable Goals
What’s worse than having no goals? Setting vague ones. You know the type:
“Lose weight.”
“Get fit.”
“Lift more weight.”
Sure, they are nice directions, but those are far from actual goals that would keep you motivated in the long run.
A good goal follows the SMART acronym. Simply put, it must be:
S - specific
M - measurable
A - attainable
R - relevant
T - timely
Here’s an example of a SMART goal:
“I want to lose 10 pounds of fat in the next 12 weeks.”
The goal is specific, measurable, timely, and, most importantly, attainable. Make sure it’s relevant to your needs and interests to stay motivated until the end.
2. Track Progress and Celebrate
Achievements
You know how great it feels to cross something off your to-do list? That’s the same buzz you should aim for on your fitness journey.
Keeping an eye on your progress isn’t about collecting some stats that don’t matter. It’s about celebrating small wins you get along the way.
Tracking progress allows you to see each mile marker on your journey that tells you, “Hey, you’re doing so well! Keep going!”
Whether you manage to do an extra push-up or run the same distance slightly quicker, being aware of that can be highly motivating.
3. Attend group classes
Sharing a laugh (or groan) with someone during a tough session can make all the difference, which is where group classes come in.
Simply put, group classes can be a powerhouse of motivation, with participants pushing each other to do better and break new records. It’s not just about completing the assigned workout but about encouraging those around you and getting the same support in return.
It’s like climbing a mountain together. Only it’s not a race to see who does best, but a group expedition, where the goal is for everyone to reach the summit.
4. Find Your 'Why' and Stay Positive
Most people have a vague idea of why they exercise. However, vagueness can lead you down the wrong path, like navigating a jungle with a faulty compass.
To stay motivated in the long run, you need to identify your values––what drives you to be active? Is it health? Or maybe you want to have more energy? Could it be as simple as wanting to feel more confident in a certain outfit?
Find your ‘why’ and continue to dig deeper. Ask yourself, “Why do I want this outcome?”
Why do you want to have more energy? To be able to play with your kids? To do better at work and earn more? To simply feel better and keep the dreaded afternoon fatigue at bay?
The more clearly you can explain to yourself why you exercise or want to exercise, the more likely you will be to stay committed in the long run.
Conclusion
Finding motivation isn’t always easy. In fact, it’s one of the biggest roadblocks for people.
Hopefully, the tactics above give you some ideas on how to boost your motivation and keep it high in the long run.
If you need support or find that you do better when you feel accountable, check out my group fitness classes or book a personal training consultation.
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