MAINTAINING YOUR MOTIVATION

from Healthy Living September 2016

GET MOVING!

Working out on a regular basis can help anyone lose weight, get in better shape, and have more energy throughout the day. Also, those who work out consistently often report being able to sleep better at night. Although a consistent workout plan has many benefits, most people don’t remain committed to their goals. However, it does not have to be difficult to enhance your fitness. Take steps to maintain your motivation so you stay on track to success.

Keeping a workout journal is a great place to start when you want to preserve your motivation. At the beginning of your journey, list your goals and write down how you plan to reach them. This improves motivation and keeps you focused. Write down everything you do each day to help you move closer to your goals and track your progress. If you skip a workout, write that down to hold yourself accountable.

Many people quickly give up on their goal to maintain their workout plan consistently because they push themselves too far at the beginning. They want to see positive results as quickly as possible. It doesn’t work; pushing yourself too far results in burnout and discouragement. Instead, start slow and increase the duration and intensity of your workouts as your ﬁtness starts to improve. For example, start by working out three days a week and gradually increase to ﬁve days a week.

One of the biggest reasons people fail to maintain a workout plan is they don’t enjoy the process. Find a way to make working out fun, and then achieving goals will be easier. You may need to try a few methods before you discover what works best for you. Many people report positive results from listening to music as they jog or lift weights. No matter your level of dedication, anyone can quickly lose motivation and give up on fitness goals if they don’t have a proper plan. Staying focused on your goals and working out on a regular basis shouldn’t be stressful or overwhelming. The key is to find as many ways as possible to maintain motivation and keep your goals at the front of your mind. Although nothing guarantees success, keeping a fitness journal, starting slow, and making fitness fun can work wonders to help you stay committed to your fitness goals.