How to Stay Motivated to Work Out
Finding a way, every day, to make it easy to exercise will keep you motivated and focused long-term.
BREAK IT UP You don't have to do our whole workout in one session.
If you're too busy to take a whole hour out of your day, you can get exactly the same benefits by exercising sporadically throughout the day.
Try 15 minutes when you wake up, 15 minutes at lunchtime and 15 minutes last thing at night.
Before you know it, you'll have clocked up 45 minutes of exercise that day.
EASY DOES IT Get into an exercise routine gradually or you could injure yourself - and the changes are that you'll burn yourself out too quickly.
If you're not a regular gym-goer, begin with something easy, such as brisk walking.
Even a short walk will give your heart, lungs and leg muscles a good workout.
Start by walking for 5-10 minutes a day and build this up, bit by bit, adding 2-3 minutes each time.
DON'T EXPECT INSTANT RESULTS Exercise won't change your body overnight, so even if you can't see a difference after the first week or two, don't get disappointed and give up.
It generally takes a month before your body shape starts to change and something between three and six months to achieve optimum results.
LOOK BEYOND THE NUMBERS Optimum health sometimes cannot be measured by simple measurements on the tape measure or scale.
You will notice other benefits, too.
Along with increased energy levels, you will start feeling less stressed and generally happier, so be sure to register the improvements when you notice them.
Keeping the benefits in mind will keep you motivated.
REWARD YOURSELF There's nothing like a reward to make you feel good about what you've achieved and to help to keep you motivated.
Give yourself a treat for every step of your fitness plan that you achieve.
Try to choose things that aren't food-based - that new top you've had your eye on or a book you've wanted to read for ages, perhaps.
Then plan a really special reward for when you've reached your ultimate target - maybe an exotic trip or a pair of expensive heels.
BREAK IT UP You don't have to do our whole workout in one session.
If you're too busy to take a whole hour out of your day, you can get exactly the same benefits by exercising sporadically throughout the day.
Try 15 minutes when you wake up, 15 minutes at lunchtime and 15 minutes last thing at night.
Before you know it, you'll have clocked up 45 minutes of exercise that day.
EASY DOES IT Get into an exercise routine gradually or you could injure yourself - and the changes are that you'll burn yourself out too quickly.
If you're not a regular gym-goer, begin with something easy, such as brisk walking.
Even a short walk will give your heart, lungs and leg muscles a good workout.
Start by walking for 5-10 minutes a day and build this up, bit by bit, adding 2-3 minutes each time.
DON'T EXPECT INSTANT RESULTS Exercise won't change your body overnight, so even if you can't see a difference after the first week or two, don't get disappointed and give up.
It generally takes a month before your body shape starts to change and something between three and six months to achieve optimum results.
LOOK BEYOND THE NUMBERS Optimum health sometimes cannot be measured by simple measurements on the tape measure or scale.
You will notice other benefits, too.
Along with increased energy levels, you will start feeling less stressed and generally happier, so be sure to register the improvements when you notice them.
Keeping the benefits in mind will keep you motivated.
REWARD YOURSELF There's nothing like a reward to make you feel good about what you've achieved and to help to keep you motivated.
Give yourself a treat for every step of your fitness plan that you achieve.
Try to choose things that aren't food-based - that new top you've had your eye on or a book you've wanted to read for ages, perhaps.
Then plan a really special reward for when you've reached your ultimate target - maybe an exotic trip or a pair of expensive heels.
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