Have you ever started a fitness program and then quit? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Many people start fitness programs, but then they may stop for one reason or another. They get bored, they don’t enjoy it or results come too slowly. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated.
Set goals
Start with simple goals and then progress to longer range goals. Remember to make your goals realistic and achievable. It’s easy to get frustrated and give up if your goals are too ambitious. For example, if you haven’t exercised in a while, a short-term goal might be to walk 10 minutes a day five days a week. An intermediate goal might be to walk 30 minutes five days a week. A long-term goal might be to complete a 5K walk.
Make it fun
Find sports or activities that you enjoy, then vary the routine to keep you on your toes. If you’re not enjoying your workouts, try something different. Join a volleyball or softball league. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a health club or martial arts center. Discover your hidden athletic talent. Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be boring. You’re more likely to stick with a fitness program if you’re having fun.
Make it part of your daily routine
Schedule workouts as you would any other important activity. You can also slip in physical activity throughout the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk up and down sidelines while watching the kids play sports. Take a walk during a break at work. Pedal your Stamina WIRK Ride Cycling Workstation from Buydig.com or do strength training exercises while you watch TV at night.
Put it in writing
Write down your goals. Seeing the benefits of regular exercise and writing your goals down on paper may help you stay motivated. You may also find it helps to keep an exercise diary. Record what you did during each exercise session on your Stamina Sports Equipment, how long you exercised and how you felt afterward. Recording your efforts and tracking your progress can help you work toward your goals, and remind you that you’re making progress.
Join forces with friends
You’re not in this alone. Invite friends or co-workers to join you when you exercise. Work out with your partner or other loved ones. Play soccer with your kids. Organize a group of neighbors to take fitness classes at a local health club.
Using the Stamina AeroPilates Stretching DVD
Reward yourself
After each exercise session, take a few minutes to 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 on your Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music GPS Smartwatch from Buydig.com to enjoy while you exercise.
Be flexible
If you’re too busy to work out or simply don’t feel up to it, take a day or two off. Be gentle with yourself if you need a break. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as you can.
Now that you’ve regained your enthusiasm, get moving! Set your goals, make it fun and pat yourself on the back from time to time. Remember, physical activity is for life. Review these tips whenever you feel your motivation slipping.
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