You might be a person who is not exercising and wants to start, but needs some incentive to get off the couch. Or perhaps you once regularly exercised, but work or home demands derailed your routine and you can’t seem to get started again. By setting a goal, tracking your progress and seeking out ways to make your exercise more interesting, you can find the motivation needed for a fitness routine.
Set a Goal
Achieving weight loss is one of the most common goals of fitness training. Some people find working toward a specific objective, such as preparing to run a marathon or participate in a bicycle race, to be a good motivational tool. Others might have a more abstract goal, such as improving their health. Whatever you wish to achieve, be realistic about what you can accomplish. Assign yourself small measurable steps so you won’t become discouraged and give up. Record your goal and keep it in a spot where you will view it frequently.
Chart Your Progress
Keeping a daily exercise journal serves as a reminder of your goals. Record the type of exercise, including the amount of time spent and specific information such as type of weights and repetitions performed. Chart your achievements, whether it’s weight lost, strength added or endurance gained. When you first begin exercising, you may not see changes in your body immediately. Charting your progress on paper can help prevent discouragement and keep you exercising until you see real results.
Find a Partner
Scheduling a workout with a friend is a strong motivator for exercise, according to the Eisenhower Medical Center. A partner can cheer you on, as well as bring a friendly spirit of competition to your workout, encouraging you both to work out more vigorously. Knowing that someone is expecting you for a tennis game, gym class or run in the park also helps provide a sense of accountability. If your lifestyle allows, you might even consider acquiring a canine fitness buddy. Many people find having a dog to walk is an excellent motivator to take a daily walk.
Change Your Routine
People often begin an exercise program with great enthusiasm, but over time become bored with their fitness routine or become discouraged because they are not seeing the results they had hoped. If you feel the need for a change of pace, try adding something new. Find some new music for your MP3 player, or track your target heart rate zone by using a heart rate monitor. If you normally exercise indoors on a treadmill or elliptical machine, try walking or running outdoors for a change. If your weight loss has plateaued, or if you desire greater challenge, add speed or interval training to your routine. Try an activity you’ve never done before such as yoga, kickboxing or indoor cycling to encourage new muscle gain and increase endurance.
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