Its a struggle to get the proper amount of exercise and we all can come up with a long list of reasons workouts can wait until the next day or week or year. But exercise is a critical part of losing weight, staying healthy and living a happy life. So for Monday here are 10 ways to motivate yourself to exercise. If you are thinking about postponing a workout think about these things instead:
- How you feel after a workout. I feel great after a workout every time. Even if I went in feeling tired and horrible I still get a post workout high after a good workout. And I can use this to motivate myself for the next time because I know I will feel great.
- Calories burned. If you count calories (and it’s really one of the most effective ways to lose weight), you know that the more you exercise, the more calories you burn — and the bigger your calorie deficit.
- How you’re going to look. Some people are motivated by visualizations, so use the vision of a fitter, slimmer version of yourself to motivate you to workout.
- Blogs. I love reading blogs about people who are running, losing weight, or staying healthy. Their adventures, trials, and successes motivate me to keep going.
- Success stories. I find success stories of others incredibly inspirational. They motivate me to go workout so I can also be a success story one day.
- Rewards. I personally don’t do this one, but many people will reward themselves for completing a number of workout. Workout every day for a week or month? Get a facial or buy new workout clothes.
- Fitting into new clothes. Want to wear a smaller size? Work out! It really is that simple.
- Being attractive. Maybe its a shallow reason, but its a true one. If you workout you will look better (eventually). Your body will be more attractive and how can you not be motivated by that?
- Stress relief. Wound up after a long day at the office? Get out and work off that stress. A good workout can eliminate the tight, stressful feelings you have and leave you recharged for the next day.
- Time for yourself. Its easy to get caught up taking care of everyone else and forget to take some time for yourself. Make exercise your “you time” and spend it bettering your body so you will feel better. When life gets hectic that “me time” will be a great way to escape and take care of yourself.
You know, I think the being attractive thing is a real motivator. I was speaking with some people in the gym, and no one would admit that they were there for vanity reasons, it was all about feeling healthy. It was only when I suggested that vanity had gotten to me and I wanted to look better that there seemed to be a mini-explosion and everyone finally “came out” about wanting to look good. Its just for some reason we won’t admit to being even a tiny bit vain!
aishchai’s last blog post..Aishchai and the fattist
Great list. Sometimes I feel like skipping my workouts but I just think about how I want to be a better triathlete. Once I finish I’m always so happy I did it.
Blake’s last blog post..A Quick Monday Thought
I had to come and comment. I just wrote a blog post like this last week.
Great list. I love the feeling of fitting into smaller sizes and blogs also keep me going reading about the success of others. It’s great!
And I have to say I love to watch how many calories I burn. Although I no longer count calories (may go back to doing that though), it’s cool to see how many I burn.
Angie (Losing It and Loving It)’s last blog post..Daily exercise log for the week
@aishchai
Thats so funny. From what I’ve seen looking good is usually the #1 reason people are really at the gym. Being healthy is a reason too, sure, but not the main motivator. And yet everyone always says it first because no one wants to seem vain. Its crazy how even in not admitting our vanity we are in a way being vain (wanting people to think we are better).
Pssst..#5? You’re already a success story. You have more successes in your future, but just being here and continuing to fight the good fight is a huge success on its own.
Cammy’s last blog post..On Motivation and Habit
@Cammy
Thanks Cammy. :)
Love this list. Think I’m going to have to keep a copy of it to refer to if I need me some motivation! There are so many different really great reasons for why we should exercise.
What a great list! You’re so right! I don’t reward myself either, but the others are spot-on.
Hanlie’s last blog post..So relieved…
those are some great tips! I know I have to use several of them sometimes to get me motivated.
Heather’s last blog post..2 Pounds
Hi Mary,
When I started out, #8 was exactly the reason I wanted to workout – I wanted to look good. Especially with an upcoming 10 year wedding anniversary at the time. Maybe it was shallow – but it got me motivated to start. Now I continue because I love the way I feel (physically and mentally). Great stuff here Mary…
Lance’s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
I’m in a plateau rut and right now so your list inspiring. At the moment #8 is motivator for me.
Yum Yucky’s last blog post..Taste Test: Kashi Heart to Heart Honey Toasted Cereal
This is great, I think its a combination of things for me — vanity, competition (I am a marathoner), health and the way it makes me feel. Each time I have a binge day or days, I start to feel gross….I hate that feeling and always remind myself of it when I’m trying to avoid exercising.
Jamie Walker’s last blog post..Recipe: Halloumi Cheese with Green Beans
great post thanks for sharing
for me number 3 is probably the most important, most people want to look good i guess