Get Motivated!

We all want to be fit. That’s why we’re here, right? But we all know that there are those days when motivation is hard to come by and we just don’t feel like exercising. Maybe you’re feeling that you’d rather relax on the couch than hit up the gym. Maybe your workout routine is starting to feel a bit boring. Maybe aren’t in the right mindset to pursue your goals today. Well, here are a couple of things to think about that will be helpful in keeping you motivated and energized.

1. Start Blogging
   If you don’t already have a profile on the site, make one. Start keeping a blog documenting your fitness goals, the quality of your workouts, and your progress, as well as any problems and challenges you face. Writing about your goals in a public forum makes you accountable to others, not just yourself. Plus, you’re likely to get a ton of great feedback and support from community members. If you don't already have an account, sign up here!

2. Switch Up Your Workout
   By now, we should all know the importance of “tweaking” your workout for optimal results. So, why not tweak your routine to break up the monotony. If you’re feeling confined to the gym, break out and workout at home with some free weights, or better yet a VEGAS Pro Straps system. Try a bodyweight workout instead of hitting the machines. Take a group exercise class. Just try something that isn’t the norm for you and it could rejuvenate you!

3. Find a Buddy
   Having a workout partner that will motivate you and hold you accountable. However, make sure to choose some one that is at your level (or slightly above). Having someone else to workout with will also keep you from getting bored or lonely. Make sure to check out Clark’s article, “Body Buddies”, for more on buddying up.

4. Play Games
   Your workouts don’t have to be dry and serious. For example, on a cardio day go running through your neighborhood, but make a game of it. Warm up with a nice easy jog for ten minutes, then sprint from the one telephone pole to the next. Take it easy until the next fire hydrant and then go all out until you pass three mailboxes. Pick a “playground” and make up the rules as you go.

5. Become a Mentor
   If you become a fitness mentor or sponsor for a friend, co-worker, or significant other, they’ll be counting on you. Committing to helping someone else will add incentive to keep exercising.

6. Reward Yourself
   Decide on some kind of reward that you can earn. Tell yourself that if you go out and do that workout you’ve been avoiding, you can watch your favorite TV show tonight, take a long bath, or if you really want to reward yourself, make a massage appointment.

7. Recover Your Resolutions
   Remember that fitness resolution your made at the beginning of this year? It’s not too late to get back on track and meet your goal!

8. Know That Your Goals Are Attainable
   There is no limit on what you can achieve if you are determined and motivated. The first man to run a mile in under four minutes said, "No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable." Make this your mantra when training and draw strength from it.

9. Feel Better
   When you’re feeling tired or lazy, debating whether to workout today or not, remember that you’ll almost always feel better after a workout than you did before!