- Schedule your workouts into your calendar and don’t cancel that time for anything else. The time that you’ve set aside to workout is for you and your health (physical and mental). Remember your health is worth it!
- Make sure your weekly exercise goals are realistic. There may be some weeks where you can get in 5 activity sessions but there may be some weeks where you only get in one. That’s ok. Being realistic a
- bout what you can actually accomplish will avoid feelings of failure.
- Set a longer term fitness goal. Maybe you’d like to enter a 5km walk or run. Or maybe you’ve booked a trip where you’ll be hiking. Long term goals give you an objective to work towards.
- Establish a routine. Set up a workout schedule that stays the same from week to week. Your workout time will become part of your regular routine and you’ll be more likely to stick to it.
- We’ve all had times when we just don’t feel motivated to do our workout. Put your workout clothes on, go to your workout space and tell yourself to just move 10 minutes. Once you get started, it’s amazing how you’ll keep going. Getting started is the hardest part.
- Find an exercise buddy. It could be someone to walk with or meet at the gym. You could even set up Zoom calls with your exercise buddy and do your workouts together live on Zoom. When you’ve
committed to meet someone, you’re now accountable to show up. - Sign up for classes or book a personal trainer. When you’ve paid for something, you’ve got “skin in the game”. No one likes to waste their money.
- Set up a reward system. It could be a predetermined number of workouts per month. When you reach that number, you reward yourself. Maybe it’s a new piece of exercise wear or a night at the movies. It’s up to you and what you would value.
- Wear form fitting clothes when you exercise. That way you can see the changes in your body as you get fitter and stronger. There’s nothing more gratifying then seeing your biceps or triceps flexing as you workout.
- Use a fitness tracker. Some people are numbers oriented. Record your average heart rate, steps or calories burned during each workout. Seeing your records can help motivate you to keep going .
- Do things you like. It could be playing pickleball, hiking or swimming. You’ll only stick to activities that you truly enjoy.
- Mix it up. Try not to do the same routine all the time. Go for a walk on a different route or mix up your strength workout. Different challenges avoid boredom and are good for you mind and muscles.
- Make your goals public. Tell your friends and family your goals or post your intentions on social media. When you publicize your intentions, you’ll be more committed to fulfilling them.
- Set up a specific workout space with all your equipment. Make sure it’s bright (preferably with natural light or a window) and hang posters with motivational quotes or pictures.
- Surround yourself with supportive people. You need cheerleaders who will encourage you along the way.
- Treat yourself to a new piece of fitness equipment for your home gym. New fitness “toys” to use will challenge you and keep you motivated to do your workouts.
These are just some suggestions I offer my clients. If you have any other ideas that have worked for you, let me know! I’m always interested in hearing what works for others.
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