Getting, and staying motivated

Getting, and staying, motivated!

We all know the benefits of exercise. Why, then, is it still so difficult to become the keep fit fanatic we want to be? If, like me, you look on enviably at those people who seem to love exercise, wishing you were like them, then read on…

I know that after I exercise I feel great – less tired, less stressed, more energetic, more confident, slimmer – the list goes on and on! So, why do I still think of every excuse not to go out for that run, or to that class, every single time? I’m sure that many of you reading this can relate to what I’m saying, so here are my tips to help you get your butt up and into your gym gear. Trust me - within an hour you will have NO regrets!

Top tips:

                         If you are planning on going for a run or doing some exercise (after you just do this bit of work or wash these dishes, etc.) then put on your keep fit gear NOW – the guilt of being in the correct attire and not going will eat away at you until you just DO IT!

                              Look up an exercise video or someone running – it will inspire you to start;

                              Close your eyes and imagine how you will feel after the exercise is done;

                              Close your eyes and imagine how you will look when you have reached your goal and are at your fittest;

                              Follow exercise groups on social media – the blogs you will receive will inspire you;

                            Join classes or groups – the social aspect will motivate you to commit;

                              Arrange a time to meet someone – you will not want to let the person down and so will be less likely to give up;

                              Always remember – every step on that treadmill, every push up, every stomach crunch, is one step closer to achieving your fitness goal.

The fact is that the more you do it, the easier it will become - even if you still have to drag yourself off that couch.

Motivation gets you started - habit keeps you going!

Once you feel the benefits of exercise on every aspect of your life, you will continue to do it and, what’s more, you will want to.

The choice is actually pretty simple - you either do it, or you don’t. How will you feel, though, if you elect for the latter? Not great? Well, focus on that feeling and get ready to exercise!

If you are a complete beginner, you don’t want to do too much too soon, as this will just result in feeling overwhelmed and demotivated and may lead to injury. So, starting small and learning to enjoy the positive mental and physical results that exercise brings will lead to the habit developing. Ultimately, whilst you may never become that person who seems to live for exercise, it will become such a part of your coping mechanism that you will notice the negative effects when you don’t exercise. This alone will inspire you to carry on.

Goal setting

Before establishing an exercise regime, you must first identify your keep fit goals.  Setting goals will encourage you to strive for improvement and keep you motivated. These objectives can be exercise goals, like running 1k, 2k, 5k etc. without stopping, doing ‘x’ number of sit-ups, or entering events. Alternatively, they can also be weight goals or emotional goals. Whatever drives you, go for it and, most of all, enjoy the feeling.

Working out doesn’t have to be another chore!

Check out our Youtube channel where you will find 1000s of exercise classes and wellbeing vlogs

Chocks away!!

Pete  - Appy Team x