We all know that exercise is good for our health. The problem that most of us have is keeping on track with our goals. Keeping motivated to workout on a regular basis can be hard.
We've put together 6 actionable ways to stay on track with your fitness plans.
1. Set Achievable Goals.
The guy/gal that you see bench pressing 300lbs most likely didn't start at that point. Fitness goals are best made gradually in increments. Test adding additional weight every week or every other week. Set incremental personal bests for yourself. Many strength training athletes follow this system and it works for all fitness levels.
2. Keep Yourself Accountable.
Find an accountability partner. Whether it's a personal trainer, a friend, or social media. A fitness journal is a great tool to log your workouts and keep you accountable. Apps like MyFitnessPal or Google Fit can be a way to keep you accountable for your workouts. Peer pressure is a way to keep on track. Posting about your fitness journey on social media can be the Find what works for you and stick with it.
3. Make It Fun.
Adding variation to your workouts can go a long way. Working out should be enjoyable. When it starts to feel like a chore, it will be. Exercise is more than just lifting weights and hitting the treadmill. Activities like swimming, tennis, or jogging can be fun and add a meaningful way to develop strength and endurance.
4. Make It Convenient.
Find a time that works well with your daily schedule. Whether it be early mornings or late evenings. Then stick to that schedule. Avoid the temptation to deviate. Going to the gym might be hard. Working out from home or work might be your best option. Buying a few gym essentials like a power rack, cable machine, and dumbbells can give you a great full-body workout. Spending a few minutes jumping rope can give you the cardio that you need.
5. Focus On Yourself.
It may be tempting to try to outdo the person next to you at the gym. Unless you can do it in a reasonable way, this should be avoided. Definitely don’t compare yourself to a CrossFit athlete. Focusing on yourself and the goals that you have set for yourself will keep you motivated.
6. Reward Yourself.
Don't forget to reward your hard work. If a Big Mac is your hidden desire, indulge in a cheat meal after a long week of consistent progress. Better yet, treat yourself to a well-deserved massage when possible to loosen up your sore muscles.
In Conclusion
Staying motivated to exercise is mostly mental. Ignore the temporary discomfort of working out. Always think about your fitness goals.