6 tips to get motivated for exercise and the gym

Less is more 

Now I know this may sound a little bit backward but I do believe that when first starting out with a new fitness regime, aiming for less is better than aiming for too much., else you are setting yourself up to fail. So instead of saying I am going to exercise every day, aim for just 2 or 3 sessions a week – once you’ve made that a habit you can add in more. Doing anything is better than doing nothing, and reaching your goals is so much better than failing.

Find a Fitness Friend!

Doing something with a friend is so much better than doing it alone, so grab one of your other “actively challenged” friends and set yourself some mini goals to reach together.  Not only can this make the activity itself more fun but it makes you accountable. You can’t let your friend down now, can you?!

Fun Fun Fun!

Don’t do something you hate doing. I hear so many people saying I run because it’s good for me but I hate it! So don’t do it! Yes, running is good for you but not if you don’t stick to it or if you do it half‐heartedly. Instead, find something you love; cycle, dance, lift weights, do yoga – do whatever you enjoy doing. Just do something.

Good Morning!

This may be a little bit controversial, and some people hate morning workouts, but I do think you are much more likely to stick to exercise if you do it first thing in the morning. You don’t have as much time to make excuses, it is done and out the way and you are all set for a healthy day. Set your kit out the night before, set that alarm, and get out there!

All the kit but no idea?

OK, so you don’t want to be this person but I do think getting some fab new workout kit will aid your motivation.  Find some kit that you love wearing, and feel fantastic in and it will make you want to exercise more often.  Sure, you can exercise in any old joggers and t‐shirt but it’s not inspiring is it? Exercise kit doesn’t have to be expensive but will be so worth it, trust me! I love getting new gym clothes.  

Progress not perfection

Measuring your progress is such a great motivator as you can see tangible results. We are our own worst critics, but seeing the inch loss written down, or that you’ve run a mile quicker than ever before... well, you can’t argue with that progress. So take some before and after photos, take measurements, do some strength and fitness tests based on your favourite activity and redo these every few weeks to see how you’ve been doing. But try not to focus on those evil scales too much if you can!

I hope these tips help you feel motivated to get moving and get active!

 

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