Exercise - How to Get Yourself Motivated

It is a fact of life: you need regular exercise to stay healthy. You understand the importance of regular exercise, but may struggle with motivation. Although what constitutes effective motivation differs from one person to another, common threads emerge. Find the motivation that suits your personality and lifestyle and stick with it.

HAVE FUN

How much you get out of an exercise session has a lot to do with how much you enjoy doing it. Here are some suggestions that might make working out more fun. Working out with a friend or family member adds a social aspect to exercising. Keeping track of one another's progress can be motivating. Buying you some special exercise clothes may also add a fun dimension to exercising. The clothes don't have to be expensive, but should be something you like wearing. If your workout involves running, biking, or walking, go somewhere fun, such as a park or a friend's house. Rotate the places you go to avoid getting bored.

SET GOALS

Many people find setting goals powerfully motivating. It's fun to keep track of your progress, and meeting your goals allows you to celebrate your successes. As you meet a goal, set another that is slightly tougher. Make sure your goals are achievable; setting goals that you cannot meet is discouraging. Unrealistic goals that involve pushing yourself too hard can be dangerous.
There are different types of goals you can choose. Distance goals are helpful if you enjoy running, walking or cycling. Speed goals are also good for these types of activities. Endurance goals are useful if you use a treadmill, elliptical, swim or participate in another type of aerobic workout. Repetition goals are well suited to weight training and calisthenics.

MAKE SIMPLE CHANGES

If you are not used to exercising, starting a regimented exercise program may seem overwhelming. Incorporating physical activity into your daily life may be a good motivator to transition into other forms of exercise. Walk or bike to nearby places instead of driving. Take the stairs instead of riding an elevator. Park at a distance when going to the store rather than looking for the closest parking space. These simple changes in your daily life can lead to increased strength and endurance. You may notice that you're no longer winded when you take the stairs or that you're walking faster than you used to. These changes can help motivate you to take the next step in making exercise a routine aspect of your life.

SCHEDULE EXERCISE

Many people live according to a schedule, which ensures that all of things you need to do are accomplished. Scheduling your exercise can be a good motivator because it means you've set aside time to the exclusion of other activities. This bumps exercise from an "I'll get to it when I can" activity to a important priority. By dedicating a specific time period to exercise, you reinforce the importance of exercise in your life.

REWARD YOURSELF

Rewards are great motivators for people of all ages. The daily reward for exercising can be as simple as allowing yourself 10 minutes to relax, read a book or play a game. Set your reward ahead of time and follow through each time you exercise. You may want to set bigger rewards that are tied to your exercise goals. For example, you may decide to treat yourself to a movie or go an exhibit or attend a sporting event when you reach your distance or endurance goal. Your reward should be personal, something you truly enjoy.

WARNING

Talk with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program to be sure it is safe for you. If you have a pre existing medical condition, ask your doctor for suggestions about what type of exercise is best for you.