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Stay motivated to exercise, that is! It's a new year
and the gyms are crowded. But will they stay crowded? Why do some
of us exercise all year long and why do some of us lose our
motivation? I believe that there is no secret or magic will
power but just habit and a few tools that help to keep us going. So,
whether we've just started to exercise or we want to exercise more,
here are some tools to help us to "just do it" as the popular
ad states. After all, haven't we heard about the wonderful health
benefits we get from exercising (looking better doesn't hurt either!)?
To Stay
Motivated, let's
-
Make it a
Priority.
Sometimes we just can't have it all! So if we're trying to burn the candle at
both ends, we may need to decide which end our priority lies. Examples of
not prioritizing exercise? We stay up late and then try to get up
early to exercise, or we choose to meet a friend for lunch vs. taking our
exercise class (how about we take our friend to the class?).
-
Make it
Convenient.
When we choose a gym near our home or office, we are more likely to go. If we
can't get to a gym (home with a baby, or work schedule impossible?), then let's
make a home gym even if we set up a corner of a room. Don't want to use up home
space or take away from the decor? Reread the above tool (sorry!!).
-
Make it a
Habit. Habits develop slowly, so start small. Haven't exercised
in a while? Pick the smallest amount of time and number of days just
to get started, even if it means 3 days for 20 minutes. When we begin slowly
and practice, we give our brain a chance to reinforce new patterns of behavior.
Weekend warriors too many times drop out from trying to do too much too soon or
they get hurt!
-
Set
ourselves up for Success.
This one includes all our tools and more. Let's make a commitment to exercise;
let's make it a priority, and then let's make it as easy as possible for
us to overcome any barriers. Let's make a list of barriers which might keep us
from exercising and think of solutions before they occur. So, for instance,
I've made my commitment to exercise on Wednesday mornings. I will
exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes (I know I can tolerate 20
minutes even when I don't feel like it); I will not make late evening plans for
the night before; I will set my clothing out the night before; I will set two
alarm clocks the night before etc........(I think we get the point).
-
Practice
Self-Talk.
I like to suggest that we find one or two specific reasons to exercise above
all the ones we read and hear about. Let's find the reasons that are
most important to us and remind ourselves of these reasons when we are about to
slip. Our reasons don't have to be the most important reasons for exercising,
they just have to be important to us (I started exercising because of my vanity
and now I'm glad I did for lots of health reasons)!
-
Become
Part of a Team. Hire a personal trainer (many of us non
celebrities no longer consider this a luxury). We can save time and energy, and
achieve our goals by seeking the guidance and support of an expert. And if this
isn't possible for the long haul, then consider hiring a trainer for a series
of sessions to learn. We can also buddy up with a friend and make it a
team effort provided that we agree to not jog to the closest fast food chain!
Now, if we need more reasons to
"Stay Motivated to Exercise", well, that's my next exercise tip!
Here's to Our Health & Fitness!
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As founder and director of The Nutrition at E.K.C. in New York City, June provides counseling in several specialized areas including Health & Fitness Assessments, weight loss, and sports nutrition for the active.
June's background includes her educational and practical experience which spans Exercise Science, Nutrition, and Behavioral Science. She is certified as a Lifestyle Counselor by the A
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