The toughest part about working out can be having the motivation to do it. Here are 10 simple tips to get you movin’ and motivated!
1. Reframe exercise as “me time”. Instead of viewing exercise as another thing to do, start seeing exercise as the one ½ -1 hour of time just for you. When you start to view exercise as “me time” you’ll actually want to do it!
2. Find exercise that you enjoy doing. There are so many activities to chose from including walking, jogging, biking, hiking, yoga, pilates, dancing, swimming and more. Don’t be afraid to try something new, there’s got to be something that you enjoy! When you do what you enjoy you’ll be more likely to stick with it.
3. Set small attainable goals. For example, instead of focusing on the ultimate goal of 30-45 min. of cardio 4-5 times per week, focus on walking 10 min. the first day, 12 min. the second and so on. When you set small goals you’ll accomplish them and this will give you personal motivation to do more.
4. Take a workout class. You’ll feel motivated to workout with the high energy of others working out with you.
5. Put your workout clothes out the night before. This will serve as an exercise reminder when you wake up.
6. Workout with a buddy. Friends will hold you accountable plus you’ll enjoy each other’s company.
7. Workout with upbeat music. The upbeat tempo will increase your energy and your pace.
8. Get a good DVD. No more excuses about not having the time to get to the gym. There are so many fun, creative DVD’s to chose from, including salsa dancing, high energy yoga, toning, weight training and more. The best part is you can workout in the comfort of your own home!
9. Workout with your kids. Kids love to be active so why not go for a hike, roller blade, or bike ride? If you’ve got a young baby start taking him or her on walks with you. Pushing the stroller up and down hills will add the added resistance for even greater muscle tone.
10. Focus on how good you feel after you exercise. After you workout take a minute to reflect on how good you feel mentally and physically after exercising. The more you connect positive emotions with exercise the more you’ll want to do it.
**Did you know that exercise is addictive? Because exercise produces feel good hormones called endorphins your body will quickly get hooked on exercise! In as little as 2 weeks of working out 3-5 times per week for a min. of 20 min. you will begin to miss exercise if you skip a day.
By Sara on 10/2/08 in Featured, Columns, Fitness, Main Feature, Editor Picks, Fit By Sara
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October 7th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I need to find away to work out, it is almost impossible for me though are son was born with esophageal atresia so that takes up all my time and i have a 5 and 7 year old but i need to figure something out i feel better when im alot more active.not that im not i just wann atone my legs and stomach alot better.
October 8th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Great list. I set a goal to lost 50 pounds by my birthday which was last week and my hubby said I looked great. So for my birthday he bought me a gorgeous diamond necklace from this jewelry site www.idonowidont.com
ladies, follow this tip list and set some goals for yourself ..your hubby will appreciate your new look and of course so will you! (and suggest for him to buy you something nice from that jewelry site) if you want some glamorous jewelry to go with that new body you crafted with good diet and excersise! Just a tip!