Keeping Motivated
It doesn’t matter how high our aspirations are for
activity because unless we follow through on our intentions it is
all futile. So how can we stay motivated? If you are finding it
hard to get motivated or stay motivated try some of our suggestions
to keep in a regular activity program. Remember the important thing
is regular activity to gain great health benefits.
- Find a buddy. It’s always great to exercise with a friend so you can remind and support one another in your exercise endeavour.
- Join a club. It may be easier to slot into
the timetable of a sports club or gym close to home or work.
- Seek out a personal trainer or find out about
a group fitness group near you.
- Compete against yourself. There are many devices
on the market today to help you here. You can purchase training
watches that help you train at your own personal heart rate best
for your training goals. There are electronic pedometers that
add up the steps you do on your daily walk or run. If you like
cycling then there are small computers that can be mounted onto
the handle bars that calculate all sorts of figures that you can
aim to improve on.
- Use a walkman. Research has shown that people
that use headphones when walking walk further than their counterparts!!
But forget the statistics, try it for yourself. Use a simple radio
for music or a current affairs station, or a CD walkman for music
or even your homework if you are learning a language. If you use
a stationary bike or walker try a TV in the room. The options
are yours to choose. Remember, if you are walking around busy
roads you need to be extra alert with your safety as you may not
be able to hear cars approaching as clearly before crossing roads.
- Train for a competition. There are always
lots of community events and competitions happening throughout
the year which makes good targets to achieve. And of course, not
only is your health benefiting but the cause is too. It’s always
such a motivator seeing other people out exercising too.
- Be creative. You might be more conducive to
staying motivated if you are not doing the same form of exercise
all the time. That is why it’s a great idea to be active with
different friends, as one might like walking while another swimming
or tennis. Variety is the key. That way, not only are a variety
of muscles are being used but mentally, it is more refreshing.
- Record your progress. Get yourself a notebook
or calendar and record your type and length activity. This will
help you stay positive by monitoring your achievements and activity frequency.
- Read Success Stories. Fitness books, magazines
and websites can be a great encouragement and can help you feel
like you are not alone in your plight.
- Don’t push yourself too hard or feel guilty.
If you push yourself too hard day after day you will get tired
and sore and lose motivation very quickly. It’s important to moderate
your exercise and vary the intensity and type of exercise you
do. Don’t feel guilty if you have slipped out of routine for a
few days. Just move on from this and start again NOW.
NOW THAT’S ENOUGH TO GET YOU MOVING!
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