Beginning a path toward better health and fitness can be satisfying, but it’s not unusual to have lulls in enthusiasm from time to time. Throughout your path toward better health and fitness, there are, thankfully, a lot of different methods you may keep yourself motivated and on track.
Here are a few useful tactics that will help you stay motivated on your quest toward a healthier lifestyle, ranging from drawing inspiration from others to varying your workout regimen.
Set Practical Goals
When it comes to fitness goals, they need to be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Start by setting small, realistic goals that push you just outside of your comfort zone. These can be things like running a mile, being able to complete a pull-up, or simply logging workouts in a fitness app. Then, slowly increase your goal each week by a certain amount.
Recruiting an accountability partner or joining a community of people with similar goals can also help you stay on track. This can be a personal trainer, a friend who wants to join you for workouts, or even a social media fitness influencer.
It’s also a good idea to reward yourself for meeting and surpassing your fitness goals. It may seem a little silly, but studies show that it’s an effective way to keep you motivated. Just make sure to choose a healthy reward, such as a spa day or new workout gear!
Find an Activity You Enjoy
When exercise is enjoyable, it feels less like a chore and more like a reward. Try to find an activity you love, such as swimming, dancing, or lifting weights. You could even join a sports team or take a class that makes you feel challenged and accomplished.
When your motivation starts to wane, remember that exercise is good for not only your body but also your mind and soul. Keep the positive things in your life front and center, such as how good you feel after a workout or how much better you look in the mirror.
You should also make it a point to track your progress by using a fitness app or writing in a journal. This will help you see the physical changes in your body, which is a great motivator. Also, don’t forget to reward yourself when you achieve a goal! This can be anything from a new pair of running shoes to a massage.
Track Your Progress
Whether you use an app, a spreadsheet, or a traditional journal, tracking your fitness progress can boost motivation. When you can look back at how far you’ve come—like going from drinking 2 liters of water a day to 4—it will remind you that the hard work is worth it.
It’s also important to celebrate your successes, even if they seem small. Whether it’s buying new workout clothes or treating yourself to a massage, rewarding yourself will help keep you motivated on your fitness journey.
Lastly, be sure to surround yourself with people who support your fitness goals and are willing to help you stay on track. Being in a positive environment can make all the difference in keeping you motivated.
Remind Yourself Why You Started
Having strong internal motivation is essential when embarking on your fitness journey. This means making a full commitment to yourself and believing that you will succeed. It is also important to surround yourself with supportive people and avoid those who may be demotivating.
Remembering your reasons for starting this journey can be an excellent way to keep yourself motivated. Whether it was to live a healthier lifestyle, boost self-confidence, or look better in your clothes, be sure to keep this at the forefront of your mind.
It’s also important to have a solid reward system in place for when you do hit your fitness goals. This could be anything from indulging in a healthy treat to treating yourself to an experience you’ve been wanting to try. This will help keep you feeling positive and excited about your fitness journey! You may even find that this is enough to get you through the tougher days.