We all know that exercise is beneficial to our health and helps to burn calories. Exercise is good for our cardiovascular and respiratory functions. Exercise keeps our bodies flexible and strong. Regular activity improves our circulatory systems. It should be as much a part of our daily lives as eating. Yet, everyone experiences times when they just don’t feel motivated to workout.
An occasional change in your workout schedule is probably fine, but if you find that you are making a habit of not working out, it’s time to have a talk with yourself. Everyone can use a little pep talk every now and then to get them up and going. I have outlined five ways to motivate yourself to exercise, to keep you committed to your workout plan.
1. Remind yourself how good you feel after your workout. I get a rush when I exercise and it lasts long after my workout. It’s a natural high. Even if I’m tired and I start out slow, I start to feel so good from a vigorous workout that I end up exercising for a longer time than I intended. You know the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun!”
2. Think about the calories you will burn. If you count calories, you know that the more you exercise, the more calories you burn. When you burn more calories than you consume, you start to lose weight. The added benefit of exercise is that your muscles continue to burn calories after the workout has ended.
3. When you just don’t feel like going to the gym, think about how great you’re going to look as you continue to exercise regularly. Imagine the fat melting from your body. Look at your muscles in a mirror. Visualize a slimmer, trimmer you. See yourself at your ideal weight.
4. Start the day with positive affirmations. These powerful words of encouragement will motivate you to take action. Repeat them to yourself during the day for motivational reinforcement. Say them at night before going to bed and make a promise to yourself to exercise the next day. Remind yourself again how much you enjoy exercising.
5. Schedule a standing workout with a buddy on a regular basis. The commitment to your friend will help to keep you reliable and accountable. You won’t want to disappoint your friend and vice versa. Plus, exercising with a friend keeps your workout from getting boring.