8 ways to START and STAY MOTIVATED to exercise

HELLOOOOOOOO EXERCISERS!

We’re in only the SECOND month of the year and I know I already am struggling to stay inspired to keep up with my health goals sometimes, including what I call one of my FAVOURITE things- exercise.

We’re still #PursuingYOU and in light of having to try and keep myself motivated, I thought I’d share some tips on how to keep going. And if you’re still thinking of STARTing to exercise, this is for you too.

1) JUST START! 

Notice the motivational quote on the picture featured with this blog-post. THE ONLY WAY TO FINISH IS TO START!!

You may be procrastinating out of fear, just laziness or you don’t know HOW. Just START. Doesn’t matter how or when. Start moving, you’ll figure it out as you go. 

2) The Battle is in the mind 

Staying motivated to exercise is not always going to be as easy as getting into the car to drive to the nearest supermarket when you’re craving your favourite chocolate. Contrary to that, sometimes it’s the exact opposite. You’re going to want to entertain ALL kinds of excuses. But most of the time you just have to win the battle by convincing your mind first. Keep positive thinking, remind yourself of your WHY each time you want to give up, and try not give into what your body says- which most of the time is -IM TIRED.

So the saying goes- “Mind over Matter.” OH AND DISCIPLINE DISCIPLINE DISCIPLINE!

3) Get accountable 

Having someone to challenge you, help keep you motivated or disciplined is key. Wether it be a personal trainer, a gym buddy, joining a class, or a distant or online friend who’ll keep checking in whether you’re still exercising. Get some accountability. You can even try writing things down and tracking your progress if you don’t want a person to hold you accountable.

Don’t forget to enter races and competitions in whatever exercise you do as well. This will also help keep you in check of the progress you’re making. They don’t have to be formal, you can do this with a friend or gym partner or a personal trainer.

4) Change it up now and again

It’s easy to get bored or reach an exercise plateau when you constantly do the same type of exercise ALL the time for a long time. Add different routines, change your running route, try a new exercise, or try the gym if you haven’t. Try a completely different form of exercise, outdoor cycling, swimming, boxing, classes, yoga, skipping. Do indoor workouts on some days. This is how you trick your mind and body into thinking this is something new and exciting again and you keep challenging your mind and body.

5) Dress up for it

I know that when I’ve gone shopping for gym wear then I look forward to wearing them to look great at the gym or just feeling the comfort of my new running shoes on my morning jog. Its enough to wake me up on time and give me an extra boost of “feel-good” hormones EVERY TIME!

6) Eat Well

Following a balanced healthy diet and exercise go hand in hand. The one augments the other. If eat well, you’ll be more motivated to even start exercising, if you haven’t started. And when you exercise then you’re more driven to make even healthier food choices. You’ll begin to feel good, lighter, more energised to exercise and you’ll begin to see the difference and feel the benefits! And so the beautiful cycle continues. Try it! Remember how I made reference to this in one of my first blog posts – what changes when I started exercising. ?

7) Take it easy, listen to your body and keep it simple 

Don’t push too hard, too soon and too frequently. Choose an exercise YOU really enjoy, that makes you work but is fun for you in the process. If you don’t enjoy it or find ways to enjoy it, you won’t last long. If your body is really straining, rest. Push yourself, but only to a healthy limit. Take things at a pace comfortable enough for you, but that still challenges you and your body so that you can see results. The key is consistency, not over-exerting yourself once in a while.  OWN LANE, OWN PACE 🙂 

8) Keep going- “EVERY workout is progress”

No matter how short the time frame, no matter what exercises you do, each workout is a step in the right direction- towards a healthier, longer-living YOU. With exercise, I think the most difficult part is not the starting, but its the CONSISTENCY that’s the biggest challenge. So the finishing with exercise? Is the maintenance- keep going, finish what you’ve started.

You can do it. HAPPY EXERCISING 🙂