11 Tips To Stop Making Excuses To Exercise
11 Tips To Stop Making Excuses To Exercise
The coming winter makes getting out difficult enough. Now, let alone putting on your shorts to go to the gym.
We’ve all been here before, and we have loads of other excuses we make to ourselves. The classics of “I’ve had a long day, I’ll take a nap first, or I’ll just watch one episode then I’ll get to the gym.
Why is it so difficult to get out of our own heads and get moving, and how can we change our attitudes?
Below are 11 tips to stop making excuses to exercise.
1. Make a plan
Write down what days and times you will work out, and stick to it. “Whatever you’re thinking about, get it out of your head”, suggests life coach Jeanine Sciacca. Use your phone or even better get a massive poster like you’re scheming a huge masterplan. Also, if you can, find a workout buddy to help keep you accountable.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto
2. Set goals
Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, or simply get in shape, having something to strive for will help keep you going when things get tough.
3. Mix things up
Doing the same workout day after day can be boring and make it harder to stick with your routine. Mix things up by trying new exercises, lifting different weights, or running different routes. This will help keep you from getting burned out and will make working out more enjoyable.
4. Find an activity you enjoy
If you find an activity that you truly enjoy, it will be much easier to stick with it. If you dread going to the gym, try something else like hiking, biking, or swimming. Choose something that you look forward to so that working out becomes something you want to do, not something you have to do.
5. Make it a priority
If you want to stay motivated, you need to make exercise a priority in your life. Schedule time for it just like you would any other important commitment and stick to it.
Another simple trick to get motivated is to invest in something that is expensive. This helps because if the price we pay for is high, we are more likely to use it more. You have already committed so much, it would be a waste if you didn’t use it. So this can mean buying a multi-station home gym or a great pair of running shoes.
The more exercise becomes a part of your routine, the easier it will be to stay motivated.
6. Start small
If you’re just starting out, don’t try to do too much too soon. Ease into your workout routine gradually and increase the intensity as you get more comfortable. Doing too much too soon is a recipe for burnout and will only make it harder to stick with your plan.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
7. Set realistic goals
It’s important to set realistic goals so that you don’t get discouraged. If you’re just starting out, don’t expect to lose 20 pounds in a month. Set smaller goals that are achievable and build up from there.
8. Be patient
Changes take time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. It takes time to see changes in your body, so be patient and stick with it.
9. Reward yourself
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to reward yourself for sticking to your plan. After you reach a goal, give yourself a small treat like a new workout outfit or a massage. This will help you stay on track and motivated to achieve even more.
10. Don’t beat yourself up
If you have an off day or miss a workout, don’t beat yourself up about it. Everyone has setbacks, but it’s important to not let them derail your entire plan. Just get back on track and keep going.
11. Stay positive
“One of the most important things to remember is to stay positive. Believe in yourself and your ability to reach your goals. Keeping a positive attitude will help you stay motivated even when things get tough”, points out weight loss hypnotherapists from Adelaide.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto
Featured photo by Gabin Vallet on Unsplash
