Do you need to get motivated?

Have you ever had a day, when you can get off your backside, let alone imagine running few miles, lifting weights or working-out? We all had them. But are they more frequent then days when you are looking forward to you training?

Mostly, motivation drops when you had a hard working day, family responsibilities or combination of these two factors. Another motivation “killer” can also be your friends. How many times have you canceled your exercise plans, just because your friend called for a drink or dinner catch-up? Then you end up drinking and eating and the guilt kicks in, which demoralizes you even more.

Yes, we all have such days, unless you are fitness junkie. However, by implementing few tricks, days like that will happen less often.

Here is what gets me motivated for my exercise program:

# 1 – Training is a must not an option

Although people think about exercise as something they must do, they never really make exercise time a mandatory ‘To do” item in their diaries. Instead of trying to fit your training into your schedule, make it a non-negotiable, permanent item. You must make include exercise in your lifestyle without but’s or maybe’s. Unless you do that consciously, you will always find something that will take priority over exercise. Mostly, these will be other less productive activities, such as watching TV or shopping.

#2 – Consider exercising in the morning or during lunch time

If you are a morning person, what better way to start a day then with exercise? But if you are not, consider exercising during lunch time. This is the most efficient way in getting your butt to the gym regularly because after you finished work, your responsibilities for the day are done. You will know you did something good for your health, you will feel energized, and happy that you achieved something and you will know there’s only playtime left to spend it with the ones you love the most.

# 3 – Take your fitness bag with you to work

Ok, maybe you’re not a morning person and you can’t exercise during lunch time, so the only time you can devote to exercise is at night time. If that’s the case, then one of the best solutions is to take your fitness bag with you to work. Then go straight from work to your gym, training or class. Even if your gym is next to your house, try to avoid going home first. Once you are at home, only bulldozer can drag you from your house if you are not motivated. Not to mention the danger of sneaking into the fridge just to see what’s in there.

#3 - Change your workout routine

If you have been doing the same workout for years, you probably lost motivation. The chances are that you are probably no longer getting real benefits from your workout. In order to change, the body needs constant surprises in workout. Like your mind the body gets bored as well. If you no longer find excitement and motivation for gym workout, it’s time to try something new. There are many alternatives to gym workout that will keep you motivated for some time.

# 4 – Find exercise buddy

I think this is the most efficient tip I can give you. We are social beings and as much a friend can divert you from exercise, they can also be a great motivation. Consider pairing up with a friend, or meet someone in your gym or work. Working in pairs is not only more fun, but when you have a day when you don’t feel like it, your workout ‘buddy” can lift your spirit up. Even if you end up going just because you don’t want to disappoint them, the goal is achieved. Either way you will not regret it. Once you finished your workout program, you’ll be so thankful.

Why not take your “fitness relationship” even further. Don’t just go there together - try also training together. Lift free weight together or inter exchange or exchange on fitness machines. With such workout you will not only have someone to correct you, if you are not doing exercises correctly, but your fitness buddy will push your limits further, hence faster and better results. And you will do the same for them. What a great feeling!