When it's cold, when it's windy, when you're tired from working nights - how do you get going in the morning? What does it take to keep motivated to get out of bed and stick to a work out plan? Honestly, I haven't figured this one out yet. There are always days when it seems nicer to stay in the warm house and watch the idiot box while eating some junk. But I'll share five of my own motivational kicks-in-the-butt, to help remind you (and me) of why I keep on the fitness train.
First, make the effort. Take the first step. For me, the simplest thing to do to guarantee that I'll get my workout in is to GET DRESSED in my workout gear. Once I've made it that far, I almost never turn around and say "Screw it." I just feel more like an athlete if I look like one. If you have the money, by all means, go shopping for the workout gear that makes you feel like climbing a mountain, running a marathon, swimming the English Channel, whatever.
Second, keep it interesting. In other words, cross train. If you're an elite athlete, a) you're almost certainly not reading this blog for tips, and b) you're probably pretty committed to a specific sport. And that's okay - if you can do the same thing over and over and not get bored (or injured from overtraining), by all means, keep on doing it. For the rest of us mortals, variety truly is the spice of life. While running is my go-to activity, finding bikram yoga classes I love has definitely given me a boost in the motivation department. Finding that new activity to learn and love while growing your fitness repertoire is pretty wonderful. If you normally run, try weight-training. If you normally swim, yoga classes might be right up your alley. Anything to mix it up.
Third, workout partners can be excellent motivators. A friend, spouse, significant other, family member, coworker - anyone who wants to get fit alongside you is a good pick. I discovered disc golf thanks to my boyfriend. We've spent many sunny days on a local disc golf course, tossing discs into metal "holes" (look here if you've never heard of the sport), and walking for upwards of 1-2 hours while playing. If you can't drag a friend out with you, look online for local running or walking clubs to join. (Of course, be safe. Don't go one-on-one with strangers, yadda, yadda, yadda.)
Fourth - routine, routine, routine. Make a routine you can stick to. Don't promise yourself that you'll work out every day if you can't. Write down a reasonable workout routine and commit to it. Along with this - enjoy your days off! They feel that much better if you've "earned" them. By incorporating days of rest into your routine, you save yourself from burnout while allowing your body to repair and rebuild.
Fifth, set goals. Every few months, for example, I'll enter a local road race. Local running races are almost always connected to a good cause (e.g. part of the entry fee goes to charity), well-attended by people of all abilities, and a safe option for running a unique route. What's not to love? And when I know that I have a goal to train for - say, finishing a 5K without having to stop and walk - I'm much more likely to stick to my workout routine in the days before the event. Your own goals don't have to be quite so public or even competitive. You could aspire to walk four days a week for a whole month. You could shoot to increase your time on the treadmill, or your weight on the barbell. Whatever you most want to shoot for, having a goal in mind more specific than "getting fit" is a great way to keep up the momentum.
These are just a few of the ways I keep myself moving. Most importantly, take what works for you and leave the rest. Even when it's rough, even when the bed feels extra comfy and warm, the work that you put into keeping your body healthy and well will pay off tenfold. Find the things that keep you up and at 'em, and working out will seem more like a blessing than a chore.
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