If you’re like many people in Houston, TX, you probably made some New Year’s resolutions. One of them may be to exercise regularly and get into shape. Most people who make that resolution are sincere and start well, but as each day passes, they find it harder to stick with their goals. You can stay motivated if you have realistic goals. Are you trying to push too hard and accomplish an impossible goal? Having a realistic goal will keep you motivated longer.
Identify why you want to get fit.
If you make a goal that doesn’t mean much to you, you probably won’t achieve it. The goal should excite you and have a purpose. If you want to get fit because a friend is doing it or someone told you that you should, you won’t be as motivated. If that person who told you that you should get fit is your physician and he added that if you don’t there are serious health repercussions, you’ll be more motivated. Maybe you’re a grandparent or parent who wants to play with the kids but is too out of shape to do it. That’s a driving force. Even someone mocking your appearance can be turned from a depressing moment to a driving force.
Take your big goal and break it down into smaller more achievable goals.
If your goal is to lose 50 pounds, it can be overwhelming and take a long time to lose. You won’t get the reinforcement that success offers for a long time. Break your goal down into smaller, easier-to-accomplish goals, like losing two pounds a week for 25 weeks. Your ultimate timeline will be 25 weeks from the date you start, but along the way, you can stay motivated with mini successes.
Create a photo journey and track your progress.
Start your journey by taking a picture in close-fitting clothes. Every month, take a picture standing in the same spot and wearing the same clothes. Keep a separate album on your phone to show your results or share your journey on social media. Track your progress using measurements or weight. Use glucose levels and blood pressure if that is your goal. When you track your progress, you can see how far you traveled on those days when you get discouraged.
- Use procrastination as your friend to help you reach your goal. Procrastinate getting up for a snack. If you’re working out, procrastinate quitting by attempting to do just one more set.
- Feel your muscles work during the exercise. When you become familiar with it, you’ll have more control over each muscle group. Also, focus on how good you feel after a workout. You do more of what feels good.
- Get active. Besides working out, find ways to be more active daily. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further from the store and walk more. Do fun activities like dancing.
- Schedule your workout at the same time every day. When you schedule it like an appointment, you increase the potential of doing it. Doing it each at a specific time makes it become a habit.
For more information, contact us today at Reggie C. Fitness