Do you find yourself making grand promises to start exercising only to fall short a few weeks in? Or perhaps you used to love breaking a sweat, but somehow, along the line, you’ve lost all motivation. Don’t fret, though. Even the most health-conscious among us can lose their way now and then. What you need is a fresh perspective and a new lease of motivation.
Sure, we’re all so well versed in the value of exercise that we needn’t list the benefits, both to your physical and mental wellbeing, once again. But even with utter confidence of just how good working out is for you, it can be still challenging to motivate yourself to exercise, with other distractions such as work, family life, and all those entertainment options getting in the way.
Fear not. The journey to a healthier lifestyle does not have to be an arduous one. It’s all about finding the right workouts, the proper mindset and a community of supportive people to push you forward. You are a superhero, and you can juggle all of it, with these; our tips on how to find new motivation for exercise.
Discovering Your Happy Sweat
One of the greatest misconceptions about exercise is that it’s a one-size-fits-all affair. In reality, though, what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find an exercise form that you genuinely enjoy – or as we love to call it, your happy sweat.
If running on a treadmill or lifting weights feels like a chore, it might be because these exercises don’t suit you. Why not try dancing, yoga, or martial arts instead? Think outside the box; exercise is not confined to the walls of a gym.
Remember, your ‘happy sweat’ could be anything that gets your heart rate up. Explore different activities until you find one that makes you look forward to your workout. After all, you are more likely to stick to a routine if you love what you’re doing.
Embrace Team Sports
If you’re the kind of person who thrives in a community setting, team sports could be just the ticket to reignite your passion for exercise. Team sports bring a unique blend of camaraderie, competition, and fun that can make the physical exertion feel less like a chore.
Football, for instance, requires agility, strength, and stamina. It not only challenges your body but also your mind, strategy being fundamental to the game. Plus, the thrill of scoring a goal or making a significant save is a feeling like no other. You don’t even need to make any major investments; jumpers for goalposts in your local park, joining a neighbourhood five-a-side team, or simply setting up football goals in your garden is all the gear you need to get going!
Aside from the obvious fitness benefits, joining a team sport can also foster a sense of belonging. You are not just working out; you’re striving towards a common goal with your teammates, celebrating victories, and collectively growing from defeats. This sense of community can be a massive boost to your motivation and consistency.
Or, Find A Fitness Buddy
Similar to team sports but a little more intimate, the best catalyst to commitment out there comes for free; a fitness buddy. Because let’s face it; positive peer pressure is one hell of a motivator. And going to the gym or setting off on a jog with a partner or friend simply makes exercise more fun and less of a chore. Not only does having an exercise partner provide a social aspect, but it will also stop you from cancelling your fitness plans whenever temptation comes calling. If you can’t find a fitness buddy, consider hiring a personal trainer to put you through your paces.
Set Everything Up The Night Before
We know what it’s like; looking for any and every excuse not to get up, out and exercise. Raindrops on the windows? Result. Early morning meeting? Just this once. Gym kit not packed? No chance am I doing it now.
So, while you may not be able to control the weather or have as much autonomy as you’d like over work, you can make things easy for yourself, motivation wise, by having everything set up and ready to go the night before. That means having your work clothes and lunch laid out and ready, as well as your gym bag packed, including toiletries, a water bottle and your headphones. You can also have a snack ready to eat, and coffee waiting to be brewed. Then it’s as easy as rolling out of bed and onto the treadmill.
Establish A Routine
It can be challenging to exercise daily, especially for those who have busy schedules or who are unable to dedicate a certain amount of time to exercise each day. But routine is sloth’s worst enemy, and simply getting into one can really push on your exercise regime.
So, do your best to devote the same time each day to your exercise, such as before work or before you go to sleep, as this will increase the likelihood of completing your exercise regime. The best time to carry out exercise is any time that fits effortlessly into your schedule, as this helps you to focus on your fitness and exercise on a more regular basis.
Sync Exercise With Your Daily Routine
Even better, perhaps, is integrating workouts into your daily routine, which can make them less intimidating and more maintainable. Cycle to work instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the lift, or do a quick workout during your lunch break. Exercise doesn’t always have to be a separate, time-consuming task.
Invest In A Smartwatch
If you need a constant reminder to exercise regularly, and that gym buddy of yours is prone to the same occasional slackness as you, then you should consider investing in a smartwatch. Smartwatches can track your fitness throughout the day by monitoring your step count and heart rate. They also send you alerts when you need to exercise to achieve your fitness goals.
Reward Yourself
Lastly, self-motivate by rewarding yourself for your dedication every now and then. This can provide you with higher levels of motivation to work out and can make you feel as if your goals are more achievable.
You should set a small reward for yourself as this will ensure that you’re not deterred by any inability to meet impossible tasks. Even better, exercise-themed rewards can encourage you to work out more often to use your new products. Some of the best reward ideas include buying a luxury healthcare product, such as skin cream, or investing in athleticwear.
The Bottom Line
The path to staying fit requires regular exercise, but that doesn’t mean it has to be monotonous or unappealing. It’s all about finding what you enjoy, fostering community, setting achievable goals, and integrating fitness into your everyday life. So, explore your options, find your happy sweat, and remember, every step you take is a step closer to a healthier, happier you.
