How to Get AND STAY Motivated!

Whether you're just starting your workout routine or you're a fitness expert, sometimes it can be difficult to motivate yourself to maintain the program. Like most things in life, what works for someone else may not work for you. If you need motivation, it's up to YOU to figure out what will work for you. Read the tips below to help you get started!

1. Track Your Progress

A daily tracker can be a good source of inspiration once you find your drive to be waning. Tracking your workouts, nutrition, and accomplishments will allow you to see how far you've come. Seeing your results weekly will make you more amped to work out.

2. Get a Workout Buddy/Accountability Partner

Get a training partner slightly more advanced than you - they can correct form, introduce new exercises, and push you a little more than doing it on your own. Surround yourself with a large support network, and tell people your fitness and nutrition goals! You're less likely to cheat in their company.

3. Find Exercises You Love

Find at least one exercise per body part you love to work so you have something to look forward to every day. Switch up your workout plan every 4 weeks, and change the entire program every 12 weeks. Not only will it prevent your muscles from getting used to the same workout, it'll keep things interesting and give you something new to look forward to!

4. Set REALISTIC Goals

Make it short and simple. Come up with goals and a plan that work for you and your lifestyle. Tailor it to your needs. Don't get discouraged if you miss a workout...just get back in the gym and push yourself harder the next time!

5. Be Patient

You must be mentally strong to continue on! You didn't gain the weight overnight, so you won't lose it overnight. There's NO SUCH THING AS A QUICK FIX!

6. Stay Amped

Think of exercise as a way to relieve stress or anger. It gives you a chance to lert go of all of your stored-up tension.

Fun Fact: 1 hour of vigorous exercise is equal to taking Prozac, with the added energy boost! (I highly recommend reading Joe Mangianello's EVOLUTION.)

7. Slowly Work Your Way Up

If you're a beginner, train like a beginner. There's no shame in starting with light weights or stopping to walk during a long run. Never start a program thinking you're advanced if you're not. That is one of the quickest ways to get injured or lose motivation.

 

8. Reward Yourself

Not with food; you're not a dog. Treat yourself to a new movie or workout clothes so you know you'll use them!

 

9. Post Motivational Pictures

Posting pictures of your ideal physique in common places will inspire you to work harder.

 

10. Remind Yourself Why You're Doing It

Think of all the benefits of exercising. Why did you start in the first place? Why do you want to be healthier? Remember that you can't take care of anyone else if you don't take care of yourself.

Rather than focusing on how much you don't want to [insert exercise here], focus on how much you want to attain your goals and how NOT pushing some heavy iron or going on a run could be a step in the wrong direction.

Latch on to the feelings the endorphins (feel-good hormones) give you after a workout. Before you're quick to come up with an excuse not to hit the gym, consider how you'll feel if you give up. The only bad workout is the one you didn't do!

XOXO,

Byrdie