Being active is good for our mind and body. That’s why many of us go to gyms like Koko Fit Club. But while being able to exercise 3-5x a week is something we wish we’re able to do, it’s not as easy as it seems. The internal voice that tells us to skip our workout because we’re too busy or too tired can get in the way more often than we’d like.
When this happens, following through on our plans and prioritizing fitness can be really difficult.
So we’ve come up with a list of motivational tips that will hopefully help you be more consistent. Take a look:
1. Define your ‘why.”
Relying on factors like summer vacations or weddings to motivate you can work but only for a certain amount of time. You need to have a clear understanding of your “whys” so that you will be fully invested in your fitness goals.
2. Join a cause.
Making yourself accountable is a good way to stay consistent. If you’re a runner, a triathlete, or a Crossfit fanatic, you can join runs that help out cancer patients, disease research and funding, etc. Having an advocacy that is tied up to your fitness goals can be a great motivation.
3. Stick with the 3 x 10 rule.
If you’re too busy on a particular day, week or month, you can use this rule to still be able to engage in a physical activity. For example, you can take a 10 minute yoga session 3x a day. Or Walk up and down 5 flights of stairs 3 times a day.
4. Make daily reminders.
Use your post-it notes and place each one in strategic places in your home or work area so you can have a constant reminder to exercise and take good care of your health.
5. Put it in your calendar.
Having a daily routine that includes regular exercise will help you become more consistent so be sure to jot down your physical activities in your weekly calendar.
6. Multi-task
We’re not exactly referring to working out while attending a Zoom meeting although if you can wing it, why not? But what we’re talking about here is you can watch your favorite TV shows while jogging on a treadmill. Keeping your mind off the workout by watching TV can make it less of a chore.
7. Join races or events.
One of the things that will push you to get up at 5am to train is the thought that you’ll be participating in a race in a few months. So sign up for one and get to work.
8. Prepare your workout clothes before sleeping.
Believe it or not, many people have found that this trick really works. You can even take it one step further by wearing your workout clothes to bed.
9. Create an exercise group.
Find a friend or two who will workout with you, joining the same dance class or jog together in the morning. Having a fitness buddy will boost the amount of exercise you can do regularly.
10. Have an exercise area in your home.
If you prefer exercising at home instead of in the gym or outdoors, use a particular area in your home for this specific purpose. Remove any distractions and get rid of the clutter in that space.
11. Mix it up.
Doing the same exercises every day for months can get boring. To keep your motivation up and challenge yourself, switch your workouts or try other exercises.
12. Get enough rest.
It’s not going to be easy to go to the gym if you haven’t slept well the night before. And even if you do bring yourself to do it, you still won’t enjoy the workout because you’ll be easily fatigued.
Make fitness a priority; continually keep yourself motivated and challenged to exercise.