Whenever someone decides to finally get fit, the first few weeks usually go very well. They are highly motivated, diligently stick to their diets, and give their all during workouts. However, it’s hard to keep that kind of enthusiasm up for very long.
What do you do when the initial high wears off, and exercise feels more like a chore than something to look forward to? Don’t wait until you’re on the verge of quitting; here are a few tips to help you stay motivated.
Set Clear and Realistic Goals
QLD Kettlebells advises that simply saying that you want to ‘get fit’ is too vague; you need a well-defined goal to strive for. It helps a lot to instead say that you want to lose 30 pounds in six months or run 5K in half an hour. Make sure that your goals are actually attainable, though, and track your progress regularly for further encouragement.
Educate Yourself
The saying ‘work smart, not hard’ applies to fitness too. A good work ethic is valuable, but you should also read up on proper nutrition and effective routines if you want good results. Many gyms in East Brisbane also have friendly communities, where trainers and regulars alike would be glad to show you the ropes.
Make Yourself Accountable
Tell friends and family about your desire to get fit. Not only will they do their best to help, you will be much less likely to cheat on your diet or your workouts if everyone around you knows what you’re trying to accomplish.
Get a Workout Partner
Similar to the above, few things can motivate you like having a buddy to exercise with regularly. A partner means that someone is there to push you when you’re feeling lazy, and it’s much harder to skip a workout if someone is waiting for you to show up.
Finally, people like some exercises more than others, and this is an important factor. Would HIIT be more effective at burning fat than joining a spin class? Maybe, but if you find sprinting to be dreadfully boring or difficult, and indoor cycling appeals to you much more, then choose the option that you will actually stick with long term.
