If you are trying to lose weight, exercise and physical activity are the way to go. Exercise is the best way to blast away fat and burn calories, helping you to lose weight and improve your overall mental and physical health. For many of us, however, sticking to a work-out routine is easier said than done. When it comes to exercise one of the biggest challenges people face is staying motivated.
In order for medical weight loss to be successful, you need to do your part, too. And that means incorporating exercise into your regular routine. The good news is that even if you lose your exercise motivation, you can easily get it back with a few self-starter tips.
Tip #1: Set realistic goals.
When you set an extreme (and unrealistic) goal, like losing 10 pounds in a week or working out for one hour every day, you are setting yourself up for failure. Stay motivated by setting goals that are challenging but still attainable, like working out 20 to 30 minutes, three times per week.
Tip #2: Track your progress.
Everyone has an off-day at the gym. Keeping track of your progress, however, will help you stay focused on how much you’ve accomplished. And incremental improvements, like increased reps or greater workout frequency, will boost your motivation.
Tip #3: Don’t compare yourself to others.
Everyone at the gym, on the jogging trail or in yoga class is at a different stage in his or her physical fitness journey. Focus on where you are on your journey and what you’ve come to do, rather than beat yourself up that you don’t look better or can’t run as fast as someone else.
Tip #4: Recruit your own cheerleaders.
Whether it’s your husband, your best friend or your kids, having someone tell you a simple ‘good job’ for working out is a huge motivator. They don’t need to yell and push you to work harder – all you need is a support system that understands the importance of your workouts and praises you for making them happen.
Tip #5: Partner up.
Whether it’s a personal trainer at the gym or your best friend, exercising with a partner will keep you motivated and inspire you to work harder. And when you have someone counting on you to meet her at the gym, you’re less likely to ditch out last minute with an excuse and let her down.
