How to get and stay Motivated
We've all been there. We all know why andhow to exercise, but so many of us struggle to get ourselves started ona healthy path. And once we do, it's an almost daily struggle tomaintain that lifestyle. Here are some tips for getting and stayingmotivated in your workout routine.
Make sure your workout regimen includes the three keys tolong-term success: challenge, growth, and achievement. And just asimportant, remember the three keys to staying motivated: safety, fun,and progress. Very few of us will keep working hard if we are bored orfind ourselves stuck on a fitness plateau. And nothing brings a routineto a screeching halt like an injury.
To begin, make sureyou know yourself: your goals, your limitations, and what you enjoy.Set attainable, short-term goals so you can monitor your progress. Ifyou hope to run a 5K or a half-marathon some day, set small,"stepping-stone" goals so you can see measurable progress along the way.
Now that you have set up your routine and written down your goals, how doyou keep yourself motivated? You can battle boredom by making sure yourplan includes variety and allows for time to rest, an often overlooked,but essential, aspect of a healthy lifestyle.
Try not to focus on your long-term goals. They can sometimes seem so daunting and distant that they actually drain your day-to-day motivation. Instead,focus on having fun, strive for balance (both in the activities youchoose and between activity and rest), and celebrate small achievementsalong the way.
One last tip: work out with a friend. This creates a sense of teamwork and will help keep both of you on the right track.