Do you ever find yourself struggling with the process and the commitment to staying fit and keeping your diet on track? It’s tough – I know – with so many temptations out there and the busy lives we all lead. Sometimes you just want to relax on the couch, not get up and go for a run. But when you consider the long-term outcome, when you think about what lies ahead for your body, mind and your future – you know you should get motivated and do everything in your power to lead a healthy life. So how do you do it? How do you get up off the couch when all you really want to do is relax? How do you find motivation when the stress of work is dragging you down and you just aren’t sure how to find that pep in your step? No one’s saying it’s easy – nothing worth having ever is, right? But here’s a look at a few ideas that just might help.
Find something you love and do it. For many of us, running isn’t the answer – it feels grueling, challenging and boredom inducing in a way that just doesn’t work. Every step is harder than the next and the tricks your mind plays on you are even worse. So if you don’t like to run, don’t. That’s the bottom line. Find what you do love and go after it. Perhaps you love being on the water…or in the water for that matter. Think about trying a rowing club or perhaps joining the local YMCA for lap swimming. Maybe you’re a dancer or a cyclist – no matter what – find a physical activity you really enjoy. When you love it, you’ll want to do it.
Find a workout buddy. Could be your best friend or someone you just met, no matter who it is – hold one another accountable. In addition to being the conscience for each other, having someone to exercise with actually makes it fun. Even if it’s grueling and challenging, you’ll have each other to fall apart laughing with or cheer on when the going gets tough. If walking is your thing – work out a schedule ahead of time, find a meeting spot and get on a routine – you’ll miss it when you forgo, trust me.
Go when you’re motivated rather than putting it off. Everyone has their own timeframe that works for their workout – and often it’s a window and when it’s missed – you just can’t get that motivation back. If you’re an early bird, think about starting your day while you’re energized with an early morning workout. If you like to sleep in, but you really enjoy breaking up with workday with a lunch hour walk or bike ride, go for it. Whatever the timing is, capitalize on your own motivation levels.
Eat clean as much as possible. When you’re not weighed down and sluggish from unhealthy eating, you’re so much more likely to get up and move. It’s a full lifestyle – remember that – and you have to inspire yourself on all levels to be able to reach those fitness goals and keep the momentum going. When you want to indulge in unhealthy foods, think about how that might affect your workout the next day or later that evening – you’ll see – you just might change your mind and make a better decision.
I know it’s tough to stay on track – everyone struggles with this stuff at one time or another, but making a commitment to living the best life possible includes making proactively healthy decisions. How do you keep yourself motivated to stay on track with a fit life?
