TIPS FOR A BETTER MOTIVATION FOR EXERCISE

As the new year has crept upon us again, many have the sudden urge to change everything about themselves. Exercise more, change your diet - get healthier and get fitter. However, it is often challenging to find and maintain the motivation to better ourselves. After all, we are not machines and are often influenced by our moods, tiredness, stress and several other factors. It is something every athlete and even professionals experience. In order for you to achieve your fitness goals, we have put together a few tips.

1. START WITH THE RIGHT SPORT

If your worst nightmare is jogging for an hour a day and you have to force yourself every time to put your running shoes on, you are very unlikely to find motivation in the future and achieve your goals. Finding a sport that you enjoy is essential to maintaining an active lifestyle. Try not to think about it too much and try a number of different sports before settling. There are so many different sports out there, the more you try, the better the chances of you finding a sport that you really enjoy. 

2. CREATE A PERSONAL PLAN

When defining a personal plan, try to make it as specific as possible. By simply saying you want to exercise more, there is too much room for backing out. In order to achieve your goal, it is better to say you want to exercise for one your three times a week after work. 

3. PAVE THE WAY

Think about the possible hurdles you may have in achieving your goals and make every step as easy as possible. For example, if you get back from work later in the evening, pack your sports bag the night before and take it to the office with you. This saves you going home before your workout and stops the temptation of laying o the sofa all night. 

4. TREAT YOURSELF TO NEW SPORTS EQUIPMENT

A great piece of equipment to get your workout plan organised is a fitness app or smartwatch. By having the plan already set in place, all you have to do is follow it. They are also a brilliant piece of motivation as they keep track of your progression as you work towards your goals and become fitter. 

5. MAKE YOUR EXERCISE REALISTIC

Remind yourself that at the beginning you do not need to be training for an hour. Most HIIT workouts are only between 15-25 minutes and are very effective due to its high intensity. 

6. PAY TRIBUTE TO SMALL SUCCESSES

It can be difficult to work towards your long term goals without congratulating yourself on the small achievements. However, remember to do this appropriately, it is not wise to reward yourself with a piece of cake after exercising as this would be counterproductive.

7. INVEST IN A PERSONAL TRAINER

Some people really need that extra motivation to maintain their fitness plan. For those who are just beginning their journey, you may expect too much of yourself at the beginning, simply train incorrectly and don't know which exercises are the right ones for you. in addition, for those who are experienced, an advanced trainer can show new ways of training and thus ensure variety during the workout. 

8. LISTEN TO MUSIC

Listening to music when exercising can be highly motivating. researchers at Brunel University in London have discovered that music boosts performance in sport. If you create your own personal playlist of your favourite motivational songs, you may meet your goals quicker.

9. TRAIN AT FIXED, REPETITIVE TIMES

Think of your workouts as important meetings that cannot be missed. As we are creatures of habit, exercise units can quickly become part of your routine once they are integrated into a weekly schedule. 

10. FIND YOUR INSPIRATION

This could be a friend or family member who is highly active in sports. However, as social media now has a huge influence on everyone, you may find an influencer who posts videos or pictures from training on a daily basis.

Last but not least, try to think positively. Remember the feeling you get after working out and all the positive effects it will be having on your body. The first steps towards your fitness journey may be the most difficult but the most important thing is to keep your goal in mind.