Do you have trouble motivating yourself to get out the door and get to work? If so, you are definitely not alone. Only one in three of us are actually getting the amount of exercise we should, and less than 5% of us can manage at least 30 minutes of activity each day. Here are five top tips for getting off the couch or out of the chair, and moving towards becoming a fitter, healthier you!
Choose the Right Playlist
Music can be highly motivating. (Video game and shopping mall designers have known this for a long time.) Whether you?re over at the cycling studies, doing trx training, taking barre classes, or just running on your own, having the right motivational music for you is crucial. There are lots of websites that can give you suggestions on building one, but what you need is the thing that gets you hopping. Think about what you like and already have, then pick out the songs that most make you want to move and look for others like them.
Give Yourself Small Challenges
Maybe your ultimate goal is to lose a lot of weight and be really strong and fit. Great: but that won?t happen by the end of next week. If you?re only going to gyms or taking trx training because of a long term goal, you may have trouble staying motivated in the short term. Set yourself realistic goals for the week, and even for the day! Not only will you be more motivated, but you’ll get a nice hit of endorphins when you reach that small goal. Just don?t forget the long term goals. They should also always be on your mind.
Remind Yourself of the Health Benefits
This is motivating, so make sure you know what you can get from fitness classes, a yoga class, or from trx training. Take cycling as an example. Finland did a study in which they found that people who cycled 30 minutes a day or more lowered their diabetes risk by 40%. And cycling at 10mph can burn 260 calories in that hour. Keep this kind of thing in mind and it can help you get up and out the door.
Don?t Go it Alone
Group fitness classes are often far more motivating than trying to do things yourself. Rather than going alone to the gym to push around some weights, why not get some trx training, or take yoga classes? You?ll feel energized by the people around you, there?s someone to keep you accountable, and there?s even people who?ll notice and care if you miss.
Vary Things According to Your Preferences
75% of people who do yoga also engage in other exercise, like weight lifting, cycling, or sports. Those are people who are changing up the routine so it doesn?t become boring and stale. Consider doing the same; variety is the spice of life, after all! And if it?s not variety you need, but interest, shop around till you find the classes, sport, or training that really interests you. If you enjoy what you?re doing, you?ll definitely be more likely to put your heart into it.
Stop making excuses and get up and out. Your body, your family, and your future will all thank you for it.
