The 10 Keys To Strengthening Your Fitness Motivation
July 24th, 2009. Published under Muscle Building. No Comments.
Starting a new fitness program for the ump-teenth time?
Here are the 10 keys to strengthening your motivation and finally achieving fitness success.
1. Fitness Goals must be realistic.
Start simple and then move on to longer range goals. Don’t forget to make your goals achievable and realistic. When you are overly ambitious, frustration usually sets in quickly. If you’ve been a couch potato for a while, short-term goals are best - begin with a five minutes walk 1-2 times a day. Intermediate walking goals - 20 minutes 3-4 times a week. Long-term goals - complete a 5k or 10K.
2. Begin your program slowly.
If you push yourself too hard at first, you may be forced to abandon your program because of pain or injury. It’s better to start slowly and progress gradually.
3. Variety is the spice.
Changing-up your exercise program keeps boredom at bay. Begin walking and alternate with biking, swimming or fitness boot camp. Get out of the house or gym in good weather, and do flexibility and stretching exercises. Join a local soccer club or just play with your kids. Try TigerFit Personal Training to broaden your access to different forms of exercise and programs.
4. Fitness Should Be Fun.
You definitely will stick with your exercise program if you are having a good time, if you’re not immediately change it up. Rugby, volleyball or running clubs are great alternatives. Swing dancing classes are vigorous fun. Cross-train by exchanging your running duds for a swim suit. With a little thought, exercise should be the part of your day that you look forward to most.
5. Integrate physical activity into your daily routine.
Finding time for exercise can be stressful, but this is not an excuse. Workouts should be scheduled as you like any other important activity in your life. Try to slip in physical activity throughout your day. Creativity is key! Walk during your son’s soccer practice. Think stairs, avoid the elevator at work. No more couch potato, ride a stationary bike or do strength training exercises while you watch TV.
6. Write it Down.
Are you hoping to lose weight? Boost your energy? Sleep better? Manage a chronic condition? Write it down! Seeing the benefits of regular exercise on paper may help you stay motivated.
7. Get the support you need.
You’re not in this alone. Invite friends and co-workera to join you when you exercise. Exercise with your spouse or your kids. Take a class at a local fitness center.
8. Definitely track your progress.
It may help to keep an exercise diary. Record what you did during each exercise session, how long you exercised and how you felt afterward. Recording your efforts can help you work toward your goals, and remind you that you’re making progress.
9. Go ahead, reward yourself.
After each exercise session, take a few minutes to sit down and relax. Reflect on what you’ve just accomplished. Savor the good feelings that exercise gives you. This type of internal reward can help you make a long-term commitment to regular exercise. External rewards can help, too. When you reach a longer range goal, treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes or new tunes to enjoy while you exercise.
10. Flexibility is Key
Too busy to exercise or simply don’t feel like it, then take a guilt-free day off. Take a break when you need it, it’s a part of a successful exercise program. Just make sure it’s just a break and don’t let it derail your progress.
Remember, physical activity should be FUN and is for life. Be sure to review these tips whenever you feel excuses coming on to keep your fitness program on track. Look to hire a certified personal trainer when you are looking to take your fitness to an even higher level.
Michael Arnone is the Tiger Fitness Ambassador for Tiger Fitness Los Angeles, the premier personal training company, fitness boot camp and fat loss experts in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. http://tigerfitnessla.com/
http://tigerfitbootcamp.com/