One way to stay motivated is to constantly remind yourself
that a worth-while pay-off lies ahead; a new, healthy, strong
you is emerging. Effective, consistent exercise will not
only improve your overall health and fitness, but will also
improve your appearance, energy level, and social interactions.
Also, look forward to the many psychological benefits as
well: confidence, self-esteem, and relief from depression,
anxiety and stress.Make It Fun
Another way of assuring that you stay motivated is to make exercise fun. If you perceive your workout as a chore, you more than likely will not stick with it. Here are some techniques for making your workout something to look forward to.
1. Add Variety: If your weightlifting is getting tedious and boring, change one of these factors:
Vary how often you do an exercise and the number of sets
and reps you do.
Find an alternate exercise; for example, if you always do
the bench press using a barbell, try doing it with dumbbells
or on a machine. Change the order of the exercises you do
for each muscle group and the muscle groups themselves.
2. Include Friends and Family: Training with a workout partner not only makes your training session more fun, safe, and intense, but will also increase the likelihood of your showing up at the gym. Make sure you pick a partner whose goals and interests are similar to yours and who is willing to spot you correctly and motivate you to do your best.
3. Fight Discouragement: If once in a long while you blow off a workout because you choose to go out with friends, just accept and enjoy your choice--do not feel guilty. Otherwise, the sense of failure can make it harder to get yourself back on track. Focus on how much progress you have made so far, not on how far you have to go.
4. Expect and Prepare for Plateaus: If you feel you have reached a plateau and/or are bored, do not give up--this is a natural part of working out. Make sure to vary the exercises, sets, repetitions and order of your workout--continually search for new ways of making your routine fun and exciting.
5. Schedule your Workout: If you always exercise on the same days at the same time, your routine will become a fixture in your life, not a whim. Not going to the gym will feel unnatural. Including exercise into your busy schedule will be an adjustment, and staying motivated will be equally challenging. Change is difficult for many people. However, if you have the willingness to work through the initial emotional discomfort as you move step by step through a safe and effective program, you will find the confidence, commitment and determination that will ease the way.
When you begin achieving great results, the excitement
and fun you experience will make the change well worth the
effort. Action creates motivation! Good luck: I hope you
enjoy all the wonderful benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
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