Sometimes, even professional athletes feel reluctant to exercise. But if it is currently the last thing you want to do, it doesn’t mean you are lazy. You simply need to find your own way to get back to your workouts. In this post, you’ll discover 7 motivating tips you can use. Whether you’re trying to keep yourself motivated or you’re just getting started with sport, the tips below will help you find some inspiration to work on your health and well-being without harmful actions and negative self-talk.
So, 5, 6, 7, 8 – let’s get rolling!
1. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
One of the most important aspects of staying motivated is to be kind to yourself. Fitness is a journey, and it is natural to have setbacks or off days. But instead of focusing on perfection, celebrate your progress and small victories along the way. Rewarding yourself for reaching even the smallest goals is much more effective than body shaming, negative self-talk, and punishments for mistakes and setbacks.
They can lead to an increased risk of burnout and lower performance. Plus, constant self-criticism and self-doubt won’t let you enjoy the process as you should.
2. Create Your Own Playlist
You can find lots of ready-to-use playlists on the Internet. However, it’s better to make one yourself because the choice of music is a deeply personal matter. For some people, it’s the lyrics that motivate them, while for others the rhythm and tempo matter the most. Besides, you might need different kinds of music for different kinds of workouts – energetic tracks for cardio or gym workouts and slow and soothing songs for yoga or pilates.
Here are some tips to help you create your own playlist. For starters, you should add songs with inspiring and motivational lyrics. They can help you push through challenging workouts and keep you focused. You should also consider the beats of the music tracks. For instance, if you’re doing high-intensity exercises, opt for songs with a BPM (beats per minute) of 140-180 or more. Finally, your workout playlist should reflect your personal taste.
3. Visualize Your Dream Body
The power of visualization can’t be overrated. In times of frustration, it can be hard to believe in yourself, and seeing your dream can help you remind yourself that it is possible. You can visualize your dream body using an easy-to-use portrait editor. AI-powered tools will let you effortlessly enlarge your biceps, change the waist, get rid of a double chin, or even slim the legs. What’s more, you will see the potential before and after the results of your workouts which definitely increases your motivation.
For example, you can print out and hang the picture or use it as a wallpaper on your smartphone.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals is crucial to maintaining long-term and short-term motivation. It’s better to break down your fitness journey into smaller, achievable milestones. This approach allows you to track your progress and provides a sense of accomplishment along the way. You should celebrate each reached milestone to reinforce your commitment and drive to keep pushing forward.
It is also recommended that you should set specific and measurable goals instead of an ambiguous target. This way, you have a clear plan to work towards and can measure your progress along the way.
5. Schedule Your Workouts
The secret to regular workouts is planning. Prioritizing sports within your schedule helps you get motivated to work out consistently, plan your payments, prepare sports clothes and equipment, and arrange meetings if you exercise together with someone. In addition to scheduling the workouts, you can also plan ahead the program and develop a personal workout routine.
However, it’s also vital to listen to your body’s needs. If you are feeling exhausted, sore, or experiencing any pain, you need to let yourself rest and recover. So, make sure to adjust your schedule accordingly and prioritize self-care. Remember, rest is just as important as exercise in achieving optimal fitness results.
6. Find a Community
At times when you can’t make yourself exercise, your workout buddy will! On such a challenging journey, it’s important to have someone around you who shares the same philosophy in terms of sports and well-being.
If you prefer exercising alone, you can still try to surround yourself with a supportive community to connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
It allows you to share your journey, seek advice, and celebrate your achievements together, and eventually, boost everyone’s encouragement and motivation.
7. Incorporate Resistance Training
Resistance training, or strength training not only strengthens your muscles but also fortifies your motivation to stay committed to your goals. One of the key elements of staying motivated is to prevent monotony in your workout routine. Resistance training offers countless exercises, equipment, and techniques to keep your workouts fresh and exciting.
As you progress and become more proficient, you can gradually increase the difficulty level by adding more weight, incorporating new exercises, or experimenting with different training methods. This constant challenge and variety prevent boredom and keep your motivation intact.
Besides, resistance training fosters a deep connection between the mind and the muscles being worked. As you focus on each repetition and movement, you become more attuned to the sensations and contractions within your body. This heightened awareness creates a sense of mindfulness during your workouts, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment. Such a mind-muscle connection not only enhances the effectiveness of your training but also provides a profound sense of engagement.
Final Thoughts
Now you know 7 hacks to stay motivated. By implementing these tips, you can maintain workout consistency and stay motivated with no hassle. As you can see, it can be challenging, but with a little creativity, you can find fun and engaging ways to keep yourself on track. We hope the methods we have discussed in the post will help you stay committed, listen to your body’s needs, and enjoy the journey towards your healthier and fitter version.
