5 Fitness Motivators

You need to exercise. You want to exercise. You lack motivation. It’s hard to do something if you aren’t excited about it. Exercise doesn’t have to be drudgery. It can be fun, exciting and rewarding. By exercising regularly and watching your diet, you will improve your health and your appearance. Improved health and appearance can also improve your self-image and self-esteem. If you are experiencing a lack of motivation, there are things you can do to get up and get going.

Change your mind about exercise. Some people view exercise as a chore, something that must be done to maintain health and lose weight. Stop thinking about exercise as a job and think of it as a fun activity that takes you away from the drudgery of your every day routine. Your attitude will help determine your level of success in nearly every endeavor. You have to expect to have fun if you are to truly enjoy your workout. Try a brisk 25-minute walk during your lunch hour instead of thirty boring minutes on the treadmill after work. Getting out of the office for a brisk walk can help clear your mind as you exercise your body. You will return to work feeling energized and more motivated. Reward yourself with a facial after work. Associate positive benefits with your workout to create a positive attitude about working out.

Learn to visualize your success. If you need to lose 10 pounds, visualize yourself 10 pounds lighter and wearing that dress or those pants that have been hanging in your closet for months because you can’t close the zipper. Visualize yourself on the beach for your next vacation showing off your new 6-pack. See yourself successful and you will become successful.

Find a friend to exercise with you. A workout pal can be just the motivation you need to keep going. You and your exercise mate can motivate each other to push yourselves to succeed. Make it a weekly or every-other-day date to exercise together. Exercising with a friend helps to pass the time as well as keeping you motivated. Enjoy a light snack together after your workout. You will soon find that you look forward to your workout dates with your exercise pal.

Involve family members in your exercise program. Instead of sitting on the sidelines watching your kids play soccer or baseball, load the bikes up and go for a ride in the park followed by a light lunch under a shade tree. Your children will enjoy the time spent with you, and you will enjoy time with your kids as you lose weight and get healthy. Saturday mornings can be spent playing games with the whole family. Whether you play badminton in the back yard or basketball in the driveway, the whole family is sure to have fun and get a great workout, too.

Workout when you feel sad or blue. Have you noticed that when you work out you feel better afterward? Exercise stimulates your brain to release hormones called endorphins, which are responsible for the sense of well-being that you feel when you finish a vigorous workout. Exercise when you are feeling a little down by going for a long walk, riding a bike, or hitting the treadmill. Stimulating your brain to produce endorphins can help you feel happier and help you lose weight as you get healthier.

So, get moving next time you are down in the dumps. You will actually be able to turn something negative into something positive.