Do you ever start something with so much energy and zest then have that feeling kinda burn out soon after? That’s your motivation dwindling. I don’t want that to happen with your exercise routine so let’s talk about how you can keep that energy and zest alive for exercise.
Winter here is cold and with snow, can be downright unruly. The weather doesn’t make you want to get in your car and drive right over to the studio then get back into your car all sweaty and hot. Sometimes it’s easier to get to the studio straight from work. Don’t go home first. Just bring everything you need with you and stop here after work. Because really, who wants to leave a warm cozy house to go into the freezing cold? I get it. If you’re running an errand and have to be out anyhow, come to the studio then. Couple your outdoor travel trips with other things so you only have to get bundled up and get in your car once. I know some people keep their gym bag in the car to help them stay accountable and to have everything ready to go. It can get kinda cold this time of year, but keeping a packed gym bag handy does work!
Having a friend in class can also help keep you showing up. Even if you don’t have an “exercise date” with a friend, my guess is that there will be someone in class who will ask where you were if you didn’t show up. I hear it all the time. People notice when you’re missing. No, we’re not taking attendance like in grade school, but people look for the familiar faces. You’re familiar and make getting to exercise more comfortable.
If a friend isn’t what can keep you motivated, how about tracking numbers? MyZone users in the studio tracks MEPS (activity points). Fitbit & Apple Watch users track lots of data too. So, if numbers are your thing, let them motivate you to get to the studio.
The point is finding what works for you. We’re all different and motivated by different things. Find your “thing” and follow through on it. Now, if you’re just not motivated in general, here are a few tips to help you develop a motivational mindset. Changing your thinking can help!
- Know your strengths. This doesn’t mean that you walk around like a know it all. It means that you make decisions confidently based on knowing that your strengths will pull you through or help you accomplish that task.
- Find your “why” for doing what you want to do.This is my absolutely #1 tool that I use. Why are you doing something? Why do you want “x”? Your why is what will drive you forward. Without a why, you have no true guidance. An example of a why could be: “I want to be fit enough to climb to the top of Mohonk tower and not be winded” or “I want to stay strong and mobile so I’m in better shape than my parents when I’m their age.”
- Enjoy the process/journey. No one starts at the top of anything. There is always a climb. While climbing, be present in life. You will have a completely different experience of getting to where you want to be if you’re enjoying life on the way.
- Read and listen to positive information. This includes being around positive people too. Surrounding yourself with positivity isn’t a cop-out to the reality of life struggles. It’s a choice to protect your energy and your mental health. Spend time with people who lift you up instead of pull you down.
- Celebrate your accomplishments. Too often I don’t do this. I keep plugging away to the “next thing” and forget to acknowledge any progress I’ve made or what I’ve accomplished. This is huge to keep your mindset motivated. Celebrate all your accomplishments. You’ve worked hard for all of them!
I want you to stay just as ramped up as you were at the beginning of your fitness journey. You do this for you. I don’t know all of your “whys”, but you need to know your why. Let your why drive you to get here, to surround yourself with positivity, and to get healthier while you’re here. The studio can be your one stop shop for a motivational boost!