We all know that a fitness routine is a key component to achieving and maintaining our health goals. And starting to do regular workouts may seem easy at first. But staying motivated to exercise can be challenging. From boredom to a lack of resources, money, support or time, there is no shortage of reasons why people fail to keep their bodies moving.
Finding the inspiration to get started and keep you on track is key.
So, here is a guide with our top tips to help you get motivated, feel good and reach your fitness goals!
Why you should workout
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the average adult get around 150 minutes of physical activity each week. (We know that sounds a little daunting given all of our busy, hectic lives).
And with only 23% of adults in the US meeting the recommendations for weekly physical activity according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it seems a lot of us out there are kind of slacking in this area.
There are serious benefits to working out that go way beyond just looking and feeling great. Regular exercise can help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, help you get more restful sleep, enhance mental clarity, build stronger bones and reduce the risk of developing many health issues down the line, just to name a few.
And the good news is, all you need is a little nudge of inspiration to get you going!
5 ways to keep the motivation to exercise
Ok, so you’ve established your health and fitness goals, made your New Year’s resolutions, and you’re pumped and ready to go. So what are the best ways to set yourself up for success?
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to getting motivated to work out. However, there are a few things you should try to keep yourself going!
Be realistic
In a society set on receiving instant gratification at all times, many people fall short on their fitness goals simply because they aren’t realistic in what they hope to accomplish.
While setting goals that challenge you are essential to your growth, you also want to be sure they are attainable and give yourself the time and patience to reach them. It's common for the results of your fitness routine to take some time to show. But they will pay off eventually, so keep going.
Be flexible, but stay accountable
Sure, some days you're just too busy to work out. Other days, you may not even want to get out of bed. We get it — it happens to all of us. It’s important to give yourself permission to take a break sometimes.
However, your break shouldn't be indefinite. You have to get back up on the horse and keep pushing yourself. Otherwise, you may feel too comfortable about staying on a break and fall back into old and less than optimal habits.
The key is to hold yourself accountable. So sure, take a break. But set an end date and stick to it. Get back up and get back into the game.
Try something new
Maybe weekly long runs are what you feel you are good at, so it's what you find yourself doing most of the time for your workouts.
Doing the same type of exercise over and over can lead to you becoming bored. As a result, you are more than likely to quit working out altogether.
Leave your comfort zone and try something new! Maybe, it's a live HITT class online. Or perhaps a yoga class is more your vibe. Whatever the case is, mix up your workouts to keep yourself entertained and motivated.
Exercise doesn't always equal a gym membership
As they say, the hardest part of going to the gym is going to the gym. You don't have to spend 2 hours a day and hundreds to thousands of dollars a year for a membership to a fancy gym to get in shape. And gym memberships don't work for everyone anyway. Over half of the people who get a gym membership will quit within the first six months according to various sources.
Don't set yourself up for failure. If you aren't a "gym person", there are so many other options out there that you can try to get your fitness on. Online fitness classes are becoming more and more popular, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic and the influx of people who now work primarily from home. You may find that joining virtual classes from the comfort of your home is what works best for you and is just what you need to get and stay motivated.
Make your workouts fun
Who said your workouts had to be tedious? Find fitness classes and activities you actually enjoy. If you try something and hate it, try something else.
Just as important as it is to like the exercise you are doing, you should also enjoy the personal trainer or fitness instructor leading the activity. This even applies to virtual fitness classes as well! You want someone who will keep you motivated, engaged, and inspired.
Remember, you are more likely to stick to a fitness plan if you enjoy doing it!
Find the best fitness routine for you
Finding a fitness routine that keeps you motivated to meet your health goals may take a few rounds of trial and error. At BeachSweat, our goal is to give you an exercise program that keeps you motivated through visual inspiration and instructor interaction.
We bring cycling, yoga, and strength training anywhere you are with a web browser. Our members get on-demand and daily live streamed workout classes with beautiful, inspiring, and energetic fitness instructors. Ready to find the motivation to a healthier, happier you? Try out our classes now with a free trial!
We advise you to always speak to your physician before starting any exercise program.
