Mrs P
Female Moderator
Let's face it, we all know we need to exercise.
How many books and videos do you own? How many gym memberships have you had in your life?
You may even be an expert on the perfect exercises for your body.
But you're not doing it! Why? Well, sometimes the problem isn't necessary lack of knowledge, it's lack of motivation.
Find Your "Why"
In order to be successful at any endeavor, we must have a good reason for doing it in the first place.
Exercise is no exception. What will get you up in the morning on those cold, dark days when you just want to stay in bed?
Most people say "because I want to lose weight" or "I want to be fit".
While these are good goals, they are not good enough reasons for long term success.
You must dig deeper.
What is important to you?
What do you value in life?
Answer these questions, then see how a regular exercise program can support your values.
Make a Commitment
Once you find your "why", it's time to make a commitment.
Here's a definition of commitment you may not have heard: a commitment is the ability to carry out a worthy decision, even when the excitement of making that decision has passed.
How many times have you been excited to start an exercise program, only to become bored or distracted by other things? As soon as the excitement passes, so do your exercise plans.
Don't worry about falling off the wagon at times, just re-commit and start again.
Set Daily, Measurable and Realistic Goals
If your only goal is to lose 40 pounds it will be a while before you feel successful.
After all, it can take a while to see such results.
Rather, set daily measurable, achievable goals that allow you to feel successful every day.
Keep a weekly diary and set goals each day for what kind of exercise you will do, how long you will workout, how hard you will exercise, etc.
Praise your self, and focus on your daily progress !!!
Keep Track of Your Progress
After you set your goals and write them down, you want to also chart your progress. Be sure to write down your daily achievements to compare to your goals. This will become extremely motivating as you see yourself meeting your goals.
With consistent exercise, you will also see your workouts becoming easier and your ability to work harder and longer.
Seeing measurable progress on paper will keep you motivated while you work towards the bigger goals you have set for yourself.
Get Objective Feedback
You may know what a good workout feels like - you have that endorphin "high" after exercise, or you have energy to spare all day long.
But do you know what an effective workout feels like? It is hard to know how effective your workout is every day without waiting for weeks or months to see the results. What if you could see day after day how many calories you burned, or what your heart rate was each workout?
Using a heart rate monitor can tell you if you are working too hard or not hard enough. What about calories?
An accelerometer can tell you all day long how many calories you are burning and keep you motivated to move!
When you look for ways to add activity to your day it becomes a fun game and you can instantly see the results.
Avoid the "All or Nothing" Mentality
Have you had plans to exercise five times one week and the first day something happened and you didn't exercise?
When this happens, many people give up on the rest of the week This is known as the All or Nothing Mentality. Keep away from this.it doesn't work.
If you approach your exercise and nutrition program in that manner, you set yourself up for failure. Allow for flexibility in your exercise plans and know one missed day is not a setback.
Be Accountable!
Research has shown that exercisers with some kind of support system have a better chance of continuing exercise.
You need someone who will also hold you accountable for your exercise. Working with someone like a personal trainer, a coach or a mentor will give you the support you need and you can work together to identify barriers to keeping your commitment and develop strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Just like results from exercise, building motivation and consistency will take time.
Fitness is not just about reaching a destination,
it is a journey where you will learn much about yourself and grow from your experiences.
Keep your short term goals in mind, and enjoy the journey to reaching your ultimate goals.
I see many guests in the women forum everyday, C'mon Ladies join !!!,
What's holding you back ? You have already taken the first step ! Start posting, ask as many questions as you like, we're all here to learn & help each other.
I posted this in the women's forum not because I don't think it applies to man,
I think lack of motivation can be a challange for both man & women, but I feel women tend to need more support, especially if they're not feeling good about their body image. I know body image is very important as it makes you feel better about your self.
Being unhappy with your body can affect how you think and feel about yourself as a person. A poor body image can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, unhealthy dieting habits, anxiety, depression.
So ladies, I hope this will help those that are seeking motivation to make a change to a healthier life.
How many books and videos do you own? How many gym memberships have you had in your life?
You may even be an expert on the perfect exercises for your body.
But you're not doing it! Why? Well, sometimes the problem isn't necessary lack of knowledge, it's lack of motivation.
Find Your "Why"
In order to be successful at any endeavor, we must have a good reason for doing it in the first place.
Exercise is no exception. What will get you up in the morning on those cold, dark days when you just want to stay in bed?
Most people say "because I want to lose weight" or "I want to be fit".
While these are good goals, they are not good enough reasons for long term success.
You must dig deeper.
What is important to you?
What do you value in life?
Answer these questions, then see how a regular exercise program can support your values.
Make a Commitment
Once you find your "why", it's time to make a commitment.
Here's a definition of commitment you may not have heard: a commitment is the ability to carry out a worthy decision, even when the excitement of making that decision has passed.
How many times have you been excited to start an exercise program, only to become bored or distracted by other things? As soon as the excitement passes, so do your exercise plans.
Don't worry about falling off the wagon at times, just re-commit and start again.
Set Daily, Measurable and Realistic Goals
If your only goal is to lose 40 pounds it will be a while before you feel successful.
After all, it can take a while to see such results.
Rather, set daily measurable, achievable goals that allow you to feel successful every day.
Keep a weekly diary and set goals each day for what kind of exercise you will do, how long you will workout, how hard you will exercise, etc.
Praise your self, and focus on your daily progress !!!
Keep Track of Your Progress
After you set your goals and write them down, you want to also chart your progress. Be sure to write down your daily achievements to compare to your goals. This will become extremely motivating as you see yourself meeting your goals.
With consistent exercise, you will also see your workouts becoming easier and your ability to work harder and longer.
Seeing measurable progress on paper will keep you motivated while you work towards the bigger goals you have set for yourself.
Get Objective Feedback
You may know what a good workout feels like - you have that endorphin "high" after exercise, or you have energy to spare all day long.
But do you know what an effective workout feels like? It is hard to know how effective your workout is every day without waiting for weeks or months to see the results. What if you could see day after day how many calories you burned, or what your heart rate was each workout?
Using a heart rate monitor can tell you if you are working too hard or not hard enough. What about calories?
An accelerometer can tell you all day long how many calories you are burning and keep you motivated to move!
When you look for ways to add activity to your day it becomes a fun game and you can instantly see the results.
Avoid the "All or Nothing" Mentality
Have you had plans to exercise five times one week and the first day something happened and you didn't exercise?
When this happens, many people give up on the rest of the week This is known as the All or Nothing Mentality. Keep away from this.it doesn't work.
If you approach your exercise and nutrition program in that manner, you set yourself up for failure. Allow for flexibility in your exercise plans and know one missed day is not a setback.
Be Accountable!
Research has shown that exercisers with some kind of support system have a better chance of continuing exercise.
You need someone who will also hold you accountable for your exercise. Working with someone like a personal trainer, a coach or a mentor will give you the support you need and you can work together to identify barriers to keeping your commitment and develop strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Just like results from exercise, building motivation and consistency will take time.
Fitness is not just about reaching a destination,
it is a journey where you will learn much about yourself and grow from your experiences.
Keep your short term goals in mind, and enjoy the journey to reaching your ultimate goals.
I see many guests in the women forum everyday, C'mon Ladies join !!!,
What's holding you back ? You have already taken the first step ! Start posting, ask as many questions as you like, we're all here to learn & help each other.
I posted this in the women's forum not because I don't think it applies to man,
I think lack of motivation can be a challange for both man & women, but I feel women tend to need more support, especially if they're not feeling good about their body image. I know body image is very important as it makes you feel better about your self.
Being unhappy with your body can affect how you think and feel about yourself as a person. A poor body image can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, unhealthy dieting habits, anxiety, depression.
So ladies, I hope this will help those that are seeking motivation to make a change to a healthier life.
