Many people start the year with the resolution to be more active and lose weight. By the time February rolls around, the excitement to work out is likely to vanish. If you want to stay excited about working out, you have to create a plan of action that fits your lifestyle and goals. If you have trouble doing it alone, finding a workout buddy can help you stay invested in exercise.
Step 1
Start small. If you haven’t exercised in a year, don’t try to exercise for two hours on your first gym visit. Instead, aim for 15 or 20 minutes. Completing the workout will give you a feeling of accomplishment and make you excited about what you can complete on your next visit.
Step 2
Set a goal. Rather than working out just to lose weight, set a physical goal. Maybe you want to run a 5k, be able to complete a 60-minute indoor cycling class or learn how to do a split. It’s easier to be excited about the workout when you know you’re working toward something exciting.
Step 3
Choose activities you enjoy. If you hate doing aerobics, don’t go to the gym for a step class or try to run five miles on the treadmill. Instead, plan a hiking trip, try a rebounding class — aerobics done jumping on a mini-trampoline — or join a local sports league. If you enjoy the workout, you’ll be more likely to stay interested in it.
Step 4
Reward yourself when you achieve a goal or complete a number of workouts. Make your rewards exercise-related. For example, you could get a new pair of trainers or treat yourself to a session with a personal trainer to help you improve your technique and your motivation at once.
Step 5
Read inspiring stories. Fitness magazines often publish stories about ordinary people who have achieved incredible fitness goals. Reading about the success of others can help you get motivated about working on your own fitness.
Step 6
Make a list of positive things connected to your workout. List immediate rewards --such as “I feel more energized when I exercise” or “Exercise helps with my stress”— but also future rewards, such as “I’ll be more flexible” or “It will reduce my back pain.” Print out the list and post it somewhere where you can see it regularly. Thinking about the rewards will make you more excited about the workout.
Tips and Warnings
- Exercise when you have energy. If you try to exercise after a 12-hour work day, you might end up exhausted after 15 minutes and feel discouraged next time you have to head to the gym. Instead, try working out when you’re well-rested. Take a short 10-minute nap if you need to recharge.
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