How to Stay Motivated With Your Fitness Routine

By Kate Evelyn

How to Stay Motivated With Your Fitness Routine

Most everyone comes to a point in his fitness routine where things start to get a bit stale. You know that you should keep exercising, but the motivation just isn't there anymore. Don't stop exercising. Instead, try some techniques that can help you stay motivated. It's much harder to start once you've stopped, so it's best to work through the tough spots.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Evaluate your fitness goals. If you set goals when you started working out, think about how far you've come. If you haven't set any, take the opportunity to do it now. Goals can be small, such as being able to run 10 minutes longer every week, or large, like losing 20 pounds. Break large goals into parts, so you don't get discouraged before you reach them.

Step 2

Track your exercise activity on paper. It can be motivating to see how much you can increase your exercise as you get stronger and more fit. You will also see how long you've been working, which can make you think twice about giving up. Consider how your golf game has improved too.

Step 3

Build some variety into your plan. It's normal to get bored after doing the same workout day after day. Also, doing different type of exercises is a better way to challenge your body.

Step 4

Give yourself a pep talk when you start thinking of excuses to not exercise. Write down your most common excuses, such as I don't have enough time, or I'm too tired, as well as some rebuttals. For example, write "I can break my workout into three shorter ones" and "I'll have more energy once I start my walk."

Step 5

Find an exercise buddy. The two of you can motivate each other. If you'd really rather work out by yourself, bring an MP3 player packed with your favorite upbeat songs.

Step 6

Exercise even when you don't feel like it, unless you are sick or injured. Tell yourself that you will just work out for 10 minutes and then you can quit if you still feel the same way. Chances are, once you get started you will feel motivation start to kick in.

Tips & Warnings

Try to work out at the same time each day. Eventually, your internal clock will tell you when it is time to exercise. Don't forget rest days. Your body needs time to recover from heavy workouts. Either don't work out two days a week or stick to low impact exercises, like walking.

Try to work out at the same time each day. Eventually, your internal clock will tell you when it is time to exercise.

Don't forget rest days. Your body needs time to recover from heavy workouts. Either don't work out two days a week or stick to low impact exercises, like walking.

Don't feel bad if you miss a workout. Think of every day as a new day to get back on track.

About The Author

Based in Washington, D.C., Kate Evelyn has been writing professionally since 2000. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including "Elle" magazine, "Brass|CU" magazine and the "Credit Union Times." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Western Maryland College.

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