Hey there friend! I’m thrilled to share with you my personal journey with fitness. We all know that staying motivated to keep fit can be a big challenge. At times, the temptation to hit the snooze button or to devour that irresistible chocolate cake can be overwhelming. Believe me, I’ve been there too. So the big question is how do you keep the fire of fitness motivation burning brightly?
Set Realistic Goals
Starting on a high note, I always say “Don’t bite off more than you can chew”. One time I committed myself to run a marathon within two months of training. Let’s just say things didn’t go as planned. And you can guess who was sprawled out on the couch for a month afterwards. According to Mayo Clinic, setting realistic, achievable goals is the first step towards maintaining fitness motivation. Aim high, but start low and progress slowly.
Create a Schedule that Works for You
The key to consistency is creating a schedule that aligns with your lifestyle. I’ve found that by scheduling my workouts at the same time each day, fitness has gradually become a habit rather than a chore. The American Heart Association endorses this, recommending that we plug exercise into our daily routine just like we would a meeting or a doctor’s appointment.
Have a Workout Buddy
Do you remember when you were in high school and how having a study buddy made those dreary homework nights more bearable? Same concept applies here. Having a fitness buddy gives a sense of accountability and fun. My running partner, for instance, has been a source of encouragement. Even on those days when my mind screams “No! Not the treadmill today,” knowing that someone else is counting on me pushes me an extra mile. A study published on Pubmed revealed that finding a workout partner can substantially improve your exercise performance.
Rewards Work
Let’s face it, we all love rewards. What better way to stay motivated than to reward ourselves when we meet our fitness goals? After shedding those stubborn 5 pounds or completing a month of consistent workouts, I indulge in a massage or a new pair of running shoes. According to a study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, behavior that is rewarded is more likely to be repeated. So go ahead, treat yourself!
Conclusion
Keeping your fitness motivation fire blazing is by no means an easy feat. But with realistic goals, a practical routine, a supportive buddy, and appetizing rewards, I promise it gets easier along the way. My journey has been fun and eventful, yet challenging. I’m not where I want to be yet, but with each new day, I lace up my shoes, put on my all-weather motivation cap and say, “One more step forward”. I hope you find your motivation too. Until next time, stay strong and stay fit!