There’s no denying that one of the hardest aspects of staying in shape is finding the motivation you need. Some days you just don’t feel like going to the gym and working out for an hour. Instead, you’d rather stay home and watch TV! So how do you prevent this and make sure you get the exercise you need every week? Here are 9 tips to stay on track and reach your fitness goals.
Use the power of visualization
One of the best ways to make sure you’re staying on track when it comes to your fitness goals is to use the power of visualization. When you really don’t feel like exercising, imagine what you want to look like and how important it is for you to achieve that goal. Maybe you’re getting married soon or have a vacation coming up? Imagine what you’ll look like walking down the driveway or lying on the beach. This will help you focus, and you’ll be more encouraged to train to achieve those goals.
Find a good playlist
If you don’t have a good playlist for training, now is the time to create one. Music makes a huge difference when it comes to exercise. After all, the exercise is difficult and requires a lot of effort. The right type of song can make all the difference. Not only will it help you forget about the tough workout you’re doing, but it can also help you improve your game in the process. Songs with a higher rhythm per minute tend to encourage people to practice more. Make sure the music you choose is appropriate for the type of workout you’re doing.
Mark fitness in your calendar
One of the reasons you don’t train the way you should is because you don’t plan on exercising as part of your daily routine. If you don’t plan your workouts, you’ll be more likely to neglect them because you’ll be distracted by other tasks and run out of time. Instead, treat exercise as if it were a daily appointment. Be sure to set aside a specific time of day for exercise. Thus, you will have no excuse to relax.
Remember that going to the gym is not the only option
There are many ways to stay fit, so it’s important to find an activity that you enjoy. Why not try kickboxing classes? Kickboxing has many advantages. They include developing better posture, boosting energy, burning mega calories, improving coordination, and reducing stress.
In addition, by having classes scheduled each week, you will be more inclined to attend, as you will be accountable to the instructor. If kickboxing isn’t right for you, there are many other options, for example dance classes, yoga, and spinning. You can also check out the best strength training and bodyweight strengthening exercises on the Openfit website to add a little more variety to your workout.
Set a goal
This is one of the oldest tricks, but it is very effective. Once you set a goal, you’ll be more inclined to work hard. For example, once you sign up for a marathon, you can’t go back. You know you have to work hard if you want to achieve a decent time during the race, and so you won’t put off your workouts anymore.
Wear your workout clothes
You should put on your training clothes as soon as possible. If you work from home or are a full-time parent, it may mean that you put on your workout kit as soon as you wake up. Once you’re dressed and ready to act, you’ll be more inclined to practice.
Exercise, even if you don’t feel like it
There will be many times when, frankly, you won’t feel like exercising. However, have you ever heard of someone who exercised and later regretted it? It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like exercising, you’ll feel great afterward, and it’s important to remember that. Also, if you’re not in the mood, you don’t have to do the full and intensive workout you usually do. 15 minutes of exercise is better than no exercise at all!
Don’t do it alone
Exercising is hard enough without having to carry the weight on your shoulders. Find ways to get support, and your journey will be much easier. The first thing you should do is tell your friends and family that you have decided to get in shape. Explain how important it is to you and they will be a great source of encouragement.
You may even discover that one of your loved ones wants to accompany you in your fitness process. Another way to get the support you need is to sign up for blogs and online forums. You will be able to read the comments of those who are in the same situation as you. You’ll find plenty of helpful tips and information, as well as support if you’re struggling to exercise or achieve your goals.
Add variation to your workouts
Finding the motivation to train can be very difficult when you do the same thing every day. By adding variation to your fitness program, you’ll make it more exciting, which will not only keep you focused longer, but also allow you to reach your overall goals much faster.
Training regimens can include group exercise classes, training circuits, core strengthening exercises, plyometric, high or low-intensity exercises, interval training, continuous training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training. With such a choice of options, it shouldn’t be difficult to make your workout program exciting and incorporate various training styles into it.
If you’re struggling to find the motivation you need to get the body you want, use the tips mentioned above and you’ll be sure to notice a difference. Good luck!