There comes a time when we decide we’re going to turn over a new leaf, bite the bullet – whatever euphemism comes to mind (usually at the beginning of the New Year!) – and get in shape, have more energy, or just eat cleaner and live healthier. Whatever your reason, starting off is usually the easiest part. The trick is maintaining the motivation once you realize how much time and effort goes into achieving your wellness!
The following are my personal top 10 reasons to GET MOVING. As you read through this, I encourage you to really think about your personal motivation for physical wellness.
We all know that exercise is the perfect wellness prescription for the mind, body and soul. But how do you move from weekend warrior or off/on exerciser to making it as much of a habit as brushing your teeth or taking a shower? Start with a journal! Keeping track of your goals by writing, taking photos, and charting your workouts and eating habits will make your success a reality.
1. First ask yourself: Why do you want to get fit? Are you trying to get in shape for an upcoming event? Do you want to lose weight, sleep better, increase your energy, gain strength, add muscle tone and flexibility, or just feel a heightened sense of well being? Write your reasons down in your journal and go back and re-read them to remind yourself when your motivation lags.
2. Set both a short term goal (over a 4-8 week period) and a long term goal (a year). You need a benchmark. Tie your goals to your reasons for working out. Write them in your journal. Make sure your goals are SMART: Specific, Manageable, Appealing, Realistic, Timely. For example, losing 25 pounds in a month is not realistic, but losing 20 pounds in 10-12 weeks might be (no more than 2 pounds per week).
3. Take photos of yourself each month in your workout gear so you have a visual record of your results. Keep these in your journal as well.
4. Make sure you are using proper technique. You want to avoid injury, above all, so check with a doctor or personal trainer if you experience any pain, or if you are not sure whether you are doing a particular exercise correctly. Injury is a sure fire way to lose motivation!
5. Get a workout partner! It will help hold you accountable and working out with another person challenges you to achieve goals faster. If you prefer to work out alone, keep your motivation going by choosing an activity you enjoy doing and add some pumping music to keep up your energy.
6. Write down the excuses or stories you’ve used in the past that have kept you from achieving your goals. Then write down why you’re not going to live your stories anymore.
7. Mix up your workout as you progress toward your goals. Move through plateau by increasing the intensity or the duration of your workout, or by trying a new workout or sport. Your body learns how to do an exercise after a few weeks of doing the same thing so it is important to routinely change what you do. Whatever you chose, make it something you enjoy.
8. Don’t beat yourself up. If you miss a workout or two or three – chalk it up and get past it. Don’t take the attitude that since you haven’t worked out in 3 days, you might as well blow it off for the rest of the week. Get back on the horse!
9. Schedule your daily workout on your to do list and in your planner. Treat it like you would any important appointment or meeting that you wouldn’t dare cancel. If you can, work out in the morning before the day’s business threatens to derail your intentions.
10. Commit to keep growing. You will reach your goals. Don’t give up. Ever.
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