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2005/02/13, 02:01 PM
Motivation To Get Moving
Often times, ladies ask me to motivate them, but the fact is that lasting motivation comes from within. Motivation must have a personal significance.
To nourish your drive and inspiration to exercise, your goals and achievements must fulfill internal desires. A lifestyle that includes health and fitness rewards you not only with positive outward physical changes, but it also rewards you with so many more things that you can't put your hands on or see.
It's important to think about the needs that exercise is meeting for you. Start by making a list. Some examples of needs that exercise is meeting for you could be increased mental sharpness, lack of the need for medication, increased energy, a way to nurture your body. The list can go on and on.
Remember, you are doing this for yourself. No one else can take care of you in this way. Life is a gift to you, so never take it for granted. Take care of your body.
Overcoming Some Common Exercise Excuses
Excuse #1
I don't feel like working out today.
When you feel the temptations to skip your workouts or hear that little voice saying "I can start again next month", remind yourself of the reasons that you want to exercise. Write down on an index card the main reasons why you should exercise. Keep this in a prominent place… maybe in your office or wherever you spend a great deal of time.
Excuse #2
I was sick and haven't exercised in weeks, so what's the use?
Set backs will happen… so just accept it. We all have set backs but ladies who are successful at their fitness program jump right back on the wagon as soon as they can. Don't let set backs get you down. Be determined and get right back to your routine.
Excuse #3
I'm not really a fitness buff.
Develop the mindset that you are a fitness buff. See yourself as one… and you can become one. Of course it takes action too. Keep a regular exercise schedule and make fitness and healthy eating a priority in your life.
Why are some ladies able to meet their exercise goals while others give up?
Some ladies have the motivation and drive to continue while others only have good intentions.
For many ladies the motivation to exercise is for health and appearance reasons … and since exercise does not produce instant results sometimes motivation can be difficult to maintain.
· Focus more on product vs. process. Sports psychologists say that if your focus on how well you're doing an exercise… rather than on just doing it, that you'll be more successful at sticking with it.
· Talk to yourself. Personal affirmation is very important. Remind yourself how terrific you feel when you finish exercise and focus on the fact that you're doing this for the right reasons.
Goals Keep You Going
As human beings we're wired for goals. Without goals, you'll simply flounder around with no purpose or direction.
Map out your goals with this simple plan.
· Decide the end result that you'd like to achieve. Maybe it's fitting into a particular size, maybe it's being able to ditch a particular medicine you're taking or maybe it's being able to participate in a mini marathon.
· Now break down your main goal into a series of smaller goals.
· Achieve each of the smaller goals and then move onto the next.
The sense of achievement you feel each time you meet each one of the smaller goals will further fuel you with more motivation. The process of setting and attaining small goals on your way to larger things makes the whole process less daunting and more fulfilling along the way.
Now Get Moving
· Start slowly. Don't overdo it when you are just beginning your program.
· Use visualization daily. Visualize yourself completing a great work out and focus on how great you'll feel knowing you got the job done/
· Take total responsibility for your physical and emotional health.
· Schedule, prepare and plan your exercise. Make regular exercise appointments and keep them.
· Make exercise one of your top priorities for each day.
· Keep a Workout Log, a Food Journal and track progress by taking your Measurements every 6 to 8 weeks.
· Don't feel guilty when you have to miss a workout or two. Negative feelings hinder motivation.
· Believe in yourself. You can do it!!!
Focus on your goals. Stick to your plan. Whether it's those new outfits that motivate you, or whether you're working toward forming good habits, believe that your efforts will pay off.
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