Stay motivated to exercise by rewarding yourself with some time off when you reach your goals.
This question from one of our readers really struck home today. With the whole month of February stretching before us and our heartfelt New Years resolutions fading fast, how can we stay motivated to exercise?
Q: What motivational jump start tricks can I rely on when I’m full of excuses for ditching the bike ride or the dance class?
I found some really great answers to that question on Care2.com that should help you stay focused on your goals.
How to Stay Motivated to Exercise?
No-More Piggy Bank:
Every time I REALLY don’t want to work out, but do anyway, or every time I SO BADLY want a brownie but make a cup of tea instead, I put $1 in my No-More Piggy, also called a “Fit Bank.” Once it adds up a bit, I get to spend it anyway I want! Then when I’m strutting around with my new sexy stilettos, I’ll be able to think “my workouts and fit mindset bought this for me…”
Photo at your Heaviest:
If you have an old pic at your heaviest, place it where you will remind yourself to get fit. So, if food is your issue: put it in the kitchen — on your fridge, in your pantry, in your freezer, on your counter — wherever you are going to see it before eating foods that you know you don’t need to eat. If your issue is exercise, put that pic on your closet door to remind you to grab your sneakers, put it next to your alarm clock so that when you go to hit “snooze” you see it and decide to get up and exercise instead.Photo at your Thinnest:
Same idea, but reversed. Yes, this is a serious glamour shot, a picture of you flexing your muscles or looking sexy in a bathing suit. Why? Because some people are driven by the positive, and others are driven by the negative. What type are you?
Let’s be realistic, there are going to be days when all the motivational tips from all the experts in the world just won’t cut it. You may really need a break to recharge your batteries or take care of what ever life threw at you that day. The worst thing you can do is waste time feeling guilty. Accept the situation, make a plan to get back to the yoga class or the treadmill because it feels good for you and let go of negative feelings about it. Remember these wonderful tips to stay motivated to exercise and be the best you can be every day!
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