What would you say if I told you that your mindset is the single most important tool you have in achieving your fitness goals?
Bringing a negative mood to your workout can really impact on how well you perform. In the long term, a negative frame of mind can make it hard to stick to an exercise program at all.
In contrast, approaching exercise with a positive, optimistic attitude will help you get so much more from your workout. Not only will you enjoy it, but you’ll feel motivated to push yourself harder and achieve the results you really want!
The first step is to set yourself a goal. This goal should be achievable – but don’t limit yourself. Once you believe in your power to achieve your goal, that’s exactly what will happen!
Here are a few techniques you can use to stay motivated and 100% on target.
3 Simple Tips to Stay Motivated
1. Accountability
Having someone to answer to – even ourselves – can make sticking to our goals so much easier.
When it comes to exercise, there are a few different ways of creating accountability.
A great option is to find someone to work out with – in particular, someone who shares your goals. Working out with a friend is enjoyable, and it’s also motivating. There’s nothing quite like a little healthy competition to get you to stick to your exercise routines and push that bit harder!
Another option is to create a visible schedule of exercise, then put it somewhere you (and your family) will see it each day. Crossing off each workout as you complete it is a good, motivating feeling!
Or how about using social media? You could post pictures of your progress regularly to Instagram, for example, making you accountable to all your followers!
2. Creating a routine
It’s a good idea to create a routine for yourself where you begin each day with positivity, and exercise becomes a natural part of daily life.
Starting each day with a healthy breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism and increases your energy levels. But if your schedule makes this difficult, try these healthy breakfast smoothies instead. They make a fantastic way to get in your nutrients and give you the fuel you need for your workout.
Consider using a daily list of positive affirmations. These short but powerful phrases will improve your mindset by helping you realize just how much you are capable of!
If you struggle to find time to workout in the mornings, then create a routine of evening exercise.
A great way to look at this is as a time to ‘de-stress’ from the day. The release of ‘feel good’ endorphins during exercise and the sense of relaxation after a workout are great motivators for exercise at the end of the day.
3. Finding activities you enjoy
One of the biggest barriers to exercise we impose upon ourselves is seeing it as some sort of chore or punishment! In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Exercise is taking time out to care for our bodies and make us not only look better but feel good too.
So it makes sense to see your workout as something to be enjoyed, not endured, and the good news is that there are so many activities to choose from!
How about taking part in a competitive sport like badminton, which is a great calorie burner and lots of fun? Or maybe you like swimming or live near to some beautiful cycle routes?
If you don’t particularly enjoy the gym, why not try a gym workout at home? There are some great streaming options out there with over 100s of workouts to choose from. Getting bored simply isn’t an option!
Give these tips a try and you’ll be amazed by just how much of a difference a positive mindset makes to your workout – and how much more quickly it will help you achieve your goals.
How do you stay motivated to workout?
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
