“How Do I Get Motivated?”

A question we ask ourselves at this time each year.  Motivation is derived from love for what you are doing.  Without this love and enjoyment, exercising can be difficult.   To help find your love for exercising and commit to a healthy, holistic lifestyle, answer following questions and consider the following suggestions:

What do you value about exercising?

• Some attributes to consider:  good health, challenges, camaraderie, excitement, speed, self-worth, inner growth, and pure fun.

What type of exercise would you choose if you would be guaranteed that you would reach success?

• Some examples include:  cycling, running, walking, rowing, hiking, Cross Fit, dancing, yoga, Pilates, and strength training.

Identify your motive, or goal.

• Set short term goals (1-3 months) and long term goals (6 months-1 year).

Join a group to strengthen your commitment and increase your level of motivation.

• Research local running, hiking, or walking clubs in your area.  Or, visit the Team in Training website (http://www.teamintraining.org) to learn more about preparing for a marathon or other athletic event in a team setting.

Change your daily routine.

• Some examples include:  day, time, and place you run; walk or cycle to and from work; or prepare new healthy meals for dinner

Create a new realistic and fun challenge.

• Some examples include:  participate in a Spinning program; add Cross Fit to your exercise program; or take a cooking class

Simply, take a vacation!

“How Do I Maintain Motivation?”

Do not become rigid in your exercise schedule – mix things up! If you experience occasional down time with your routine, take a moment to “go with the flow of the low,” resting and recovering – then jump back in to it!

Your interest, enthusiasm, and motivation should be directly proportional to the pleasure you receive from participation in your exercise program or athletic activity.

And, make it fun!

Reference:

Al Huang, C. & Lynch, J (1992).  Thinking Body Dancing Mind: Tao Sports for Extraordinary Performance in Athletics, Business, and Life. New York, NY: Bantam Books.