Motivation

Motivation is key in any workout schedule; without it we tend to make excuses for missing workouts, eating unhealthy foods, slacking on your routines and other detrimental actions that slow the progress to your final goal. In order to stay motivated, figure out what you want to gain from working out and eating right. Whether it be personal health, strength, physical appearance, sports etc.. Always keep the final goal in mind, try not to think about where you are at, but rather where you want to be. Many people (including myself) get caught up in the excuse of "I'm in good enough shape, why waste any more time?" This of course is an excuse used to temporarily justify a missed workout. Here are some tips for staying motivated:

• Find a role model that you relate with and strive to mimic their accomplishments.  
• Look for upbeat music that makes you feel excited and energetic and add it to your workout playlist.
• Approach your fitness with the attitude of "I'm doing this because *insert reason here,* I feel good doing it and I'm proud of my progress so far but I know I have a ways to go. 
• Instead of seeing your workout as a chore, make it a part of your life as a habit so that it becomes a normal activity in your day.
• No matter how tired or lazy you feel, think of how much better you will feel after the workout.
• When you feel lethargic and unmotivated to exercise, think of how lucky you are that you CAN exercise and have full control of your body.
• Think of the benefits of exercise before you begin your fitness routine: Increased energy, release for pent-up emotions, raise of self esteem, regulation of body chemicals, better sleep, etc... The list goes on and on.
• Congratulate yourself for the work you've done so far and always keep your final goal in mind.
• Look up motivational quotes and read success stories of others who have achieved their goals.
• Find a workout buddy; working out with a friend is great! You help motivate each other to strive for one more rep and challenge each other to push yourself further and further. This also keeps you each accountable  for your workouts and eliminates excuses.
• Keep a varying routine to avoid getting bored with the same pattern.
• Don't beat yourself up if you miss a workout due to legitimate reasons, life sometimes throws us curve-balls that can make it hard to fit in a workout.
• Make mini-goals such as a number of how many times a week you want to workout or a certain value of time (measured in minutes, hours, or however you want) spent exercising per week. 
• Keep a fitness journal, this is extremely important in any fitness routine. Not only does a fitness journal keep track of your progress but it also shows what you did the last time you exercised so that you can strive to beat your last routine.

Remember, commitment is the SINGLE most important thing in any fitness routine or diet.

"Success rests not only on ability, but upon commitment, loyalty, and pride." 
-Vince Lombardi


What are some things that keep you motivated to workout? Leave a comment below!


Thanks, Joe