I love exercising, I do. Once I begin a workout, no matter how much I feel worn out, I just want to keep going and give my all. However, to find time and motivation to actually start exercising isn’t always simple for me. I enjoy working out at home or running, but there also are these excuses what I could do instead of putting on my training shoes. I know that I’m not alone in this, so here are five things that help me start and enjoy my workout routine:
1. Hard, but motivating workout videos. There are tons of fitness videos available for purchase and even to watch free on Youtube. With so many options, it takes time to find your favorite coaches and workout programs. It’s important to choose a coach who has experience and will keep you motivated to finish that workout no matter what. My all time favorite coach is Jillian Michaels. Man, that woman is tough! But she also knows how to motivate to give everything I’ve got, even if I have to literally crawl to the shower after the workout.
2. Music. This one is obvious, but it shouldn’t be forgotten. I like planning my running routes and creating music playlists to keep me entertained and energetic.
3. Inspiration. Because I more often end up to be a couch potato instead of a fierce runner, inspiration is crucial to me. The usual motivation advice would be to look at photos with woman bodies with beautiful six-packs (there are hundreds of them on Instagram and all over the internet), but I don’t always find it so inspiring. Many of these girls, to me, look underweight and not healthy at all. Also, it’s easy to cross that line and start shaming yourself for not pushing harder. I feel it’s better to seek inspiration from real athletes because they are the ones with the right attitude towards health and wellness. I like Athlete Mindset Workbook, a step by step sports psychology guide by Terry Orlick, Leslie Lewis, and Fatima Leite Kusch. All three authors are professional athletes, so they know what they’re talking about. Or better yet – trying to be my own inspiration (see step four). After all, the point of exercising isn’t to be perfect, it’s to keep yourself healthy (that six-pack comes as a bonus for all the hard work).
4. Tracking and celebrating your achievements. And I’m not talking only about kilos and centimeters here. It’s important to acknowledge how much work you put into your workouts and to celebrate every milestone (even if it’s a tiny one) – just not with a bowl of potato chips, of course.
5. Don’t do it alone. Having a workout buddy helps. I usually do my workouts alone, but I love running with my husband once in awhile because he always motivates me to leave the couch and start.
What keeps you motivated to workout?
I’m Inga, the creator of this online place called Organic Beauty Blogger. Since 2013, I’ve been on a mission to redefine beauty by sharing my insights into the world of green beauty.
Music is definitely the key, it definitely pushes me to work out harder. But the main motivation for me is my knees – I have some issues with them and if I don’t exercise it gets worse and I get more pains. Of course I also do it to stay healthy.
Oh yeah and I forgot the article which I wrote – How exercise can improve health – http://www.behealthynow.co.uk/healthy-living/how-exercise-can-improve-health/ – all this is a big motivation for me.
Agree about the music! And I love your article, thank you for sharing.
It helps to know how much effort you’re going to put by looking at my “before” picture.