Finding workout motivation

There are days when we cannot wait to get to the gym and feel the burn, and there are other days we can hardly get ourselves out of bed.

Despite how you feel, if you want to look and feel great you have to make those workouts happen. Here is how to get started:

Set goals

Set goals on which days and how many days you will work out each week and do not allow for flexibility. Goals can only be achieved with an unceasing commitment to following through. Choose goals that are reachable with your schedule, and put these goals in your daily minder to be able to cross them off once you have finished them to completion.

Create an image

Create an image of what you want your body to look like, taking into account your genetics and body type. Now that you have that image, start working for it with exercise as well as diet.

Diet is responsible for the majority of weight loss and far supersedes exercise. However, the exercise burns excess fat and gets your firm in the places you need it. When you are committed to clean eating you will immediately feel better and have more energy to exercise. One begets the other and your self-esteem and body image will improve quickly.

Make an appointment

If getting to the gym is hard, then make an appointment with a friend, a trainer, or a class teacher that you will be there. Sometimes having an appointment or having someone to work out with and keep you accountable will get you to the gym on the days you are fighting going.

Music

Music is motivation. Create several workout playlists that will help you to get in gear. Sometimes a great playlist will be enough to get you to the gym so you can enjoy working Try these tips when you don’t feel like moving out and also tuning out into great music for an hour. Music has the power to instantly brighten your mood and distract you from the efforts of exercise.

Reward yourself

If you are going to work out, lose weight, look more fit, toned, and get stronger, then you may as well reward yourself with a massage, a cheat day, or a day of total rest to create a great balance and more motivation to work out. One of the best rewards you can give yourself is to go shopping for that new hot body of yours.

A healthy body will harvest a healthy mind, and vice versa! Get going!

Sherrie Campbell, PhD is a licensed psychologist with clinical training and experience providing counseling and psychotherapy. She regularly contributes to numerous publications, is an inspirational speaker, avid writer, and proud mother. Reach her at Sherriecampbellphd.com.