One of the hardest things to do is to start a new habit. How many times have you made a New Year's resolution that didn't even last a month? As the weather gets warmer, a lot of people are going to begin a new workout routine for the first time, and they are going to need to stay motivated. Here are a few tips to help keep you on track, and keep you motivated with your new workout routine!
1. Set some goals – Setting and meeting personal goals is a great way to stay motivated with your new fitness routine. Start off easy, don't set unreasonable goals when you are starting out. Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable. As you progress in your workouts and learn how your body responds to your workouts, you can re-evaluate your goals and give yourself new challenges if needed.
2. Have fun – Find a sport or activity you truly enjoy, then vary your routine to keep it interesting. Working out is not supposed to be boring so have fun! If the activity you have chosen isn't interesting you, try something else like dancing, martial arts, or a sports league.
3. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine – Don't let time management be your excuse not to exercise, schedule your workouts like you would with all your other important activities. You can work in working out into everyday activities by taking the stairs, walking at a more brisk pace, walking while talking on the phone, etc. If you work at a desk all day, find a way to get up and walk around periodically.
4. Write it down – Writing your goals on paper makes them tangible and real and make you much more likely to reach them. Not just your exercise goals, but what you hope to get out of it whether it is losing weight, getting stronger, sleeping better, or just being able to tie your shoes without being out of breath. Keeping track of your progress will help to keep you on track because even if you haven't reached your goal yet, you will be able to see how far you've come!
5. Invite your friends, neighbors, or coworkers – Working out in groups or with friends will make any activity more enjoyable and engaging. It will also have the added benefit of keeping you motivated and making you accountable for sticking to your routine.
6. Reward yourself – Exercise makes you feel great! Savor the way it makes you feel after your workouts to remind yourself of why you want to keep at it. When you reach a long term goal, give yourself a big reward, like a new workout outfit!
7. Be flexible – Sometimes things come up that are out of your control and you have to miss a workout. Or sometimes you just really need a break. Don't beat yourself up if you need to skip a workout. If you hold yourself to a workout or goals that are too rigid, you could lose interest in your new activity earlier than you would if you go at your own pace. Don't make skipping workouts a habit, but listen to your mind and your body and be flexible enough to know everything won't always go according to plan.
Source:
Mayo Clinic