When you first make the commitment to be healthier and go to the gym and start your ‘fitness journey’ you have to be aware of how much dedication is needed and remember to stay motivated.
You know who you are. As hard as you’ve tried, you’ve never liked going to the gym. Maybe you’ve even hired a personal trainer a few times, hoping the added expense and accountability would be enough motivation to turn you into a regular gym rat.
But it didn’t work.
You won’t turn into that fitness freak that you follow on Instagram overnight #fitness #gymlife
Let’s be honest, every time you’ve started an ambitious workout program with the goal of getting in shape, something–you’re not even sure what–cuts you short before you’ve reached your goal.
Deep down though, you know what the problem is: you don’t like working out. It’s hard, it’s uncomfortable, it’s sweaty and the free weight section has a weird smell. You don’t like how you look in those stupid skin tight clothes, ain’t nobody got time for that!
But still you wonder about those people who are in the gym all the time. What’s their secret? How do they stay motivated day after day and year after year? Are they a different species? Or is there something they know that you don’t?
Few people on this earth were born with an innate love of the gym. But what generally separates people who like working out from those who don’t is pretty simple: fitness.
Working out sucks when you aren’t in shape. But the good news is that you don’t need to become a complete meathead to get to a place where exercise is no longer a pain. Just like learning to cook, once you reach a minimum proficiency level–in this case fitness level–exercise stops feeling bad and starts feeling good. And just like with cooking, the only way to get there is to Just Do It*.
If you’re just starting a workout program your goal shouldn’t be to get buff or lose weight. The first step is getting to a fitness level where you no longer hate to exercise. And for that all you need is consistency.
When you first start your program don’t force yourself to do anything too hard or unpleasant, just make sure that you stick with it and never quit. There’s no reason to torture yourself at the gym. Once you’re in better shape you will enjoy pushing yourself a little harder every now and then. But until you get there, just make yourself do something. Anything. Just do it regularly and don’t make excuses.
The key to being consistent is making your workout so easy/convenient/fun/awesome that not doing it just feels stupid. Here are a few tips to set you up for a lifetime of fitness.
Here Are My Tips For Starting & Sticking With Exercise
1. Commit to consistency
This is worth repeating. Make a commitment to sticking with your plan. If you find yourself not able to meet your goals, change them so they’re easier.
2. Take baby steps
If your sign up for a marathon you don’t leave your house the next morning planning to run the whole 26 miles. You’d start with a 3K, maybe, and go further a little bit at a time
3. Pick an exercise that’s fun
Not all exercise happens in the gym. Like to climb rocks? Ride a bike? Swim? Whatever floats your boat. Start with the fun stuff and work your way up.
4. Bring a friend, make it competitive
Having a workout partner is one of the most effective ways to be accountable and make your workout fun. Making it a competition is also great for motivation.
5. Join a sports team
Even better than one friend is a group of friends. Intramural sports teams are a fantastic way to get a few weekly workouts.
6. Get into music, podcasts and audiobooks
If your schedule isn’t conducive to group activities, your iPod still got your back. Put together an inspiring workout mix, download some of your favourite music, podcasts and audiobooks to get you inspired and pumped.
7. Get a dog
You know what takes a lot of energy? Puppies! If you can’t motivate to exercise for yourself, at least do it for the puppy
8. Caffeine charge
Sometimes a long day can make an evening workout seem impossibly difficult. At times like these, caffeine is your friend. After about half an hour you’ll need to workout to burn off that extra energy.
9. Get some nice workout clothes, shoes and mp3 player
New toys are fun. Sometimes it’s the little things that help the most.
10. Reward yourself
Doing something consistently is an accomplishment, even if your actual task seems small and insignificant. If you’ve been exercising regularly, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for many jobs well done. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I know it sounds boring but it will be worth it if you have patience. Don’t forget your first victory: That you have started!
*Dear Nike, please don’t sue me :) xxx
