How to Stay Motivated to Exercise and Reach Your Fitness Goals

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Working out is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your body. It releases endorphins, improves moods, and more. It can be hard to stay motivated when exercising seems like a chore or an obligation instead of something that makes you feel good.

In order for your workout plan to succeed that mindset has to shift. It can be difficult to do this. However, it is possible if you try to remember and practice some skills that will keep you motivated. Here are some ways to help you stay on track!

Sign Up for a Class

If you work out exclusively at home it can be difficult to stay motivated. Sign up for a class at your local gym or fitness center. 

Even signing up for something as simple as a dance class can help you stay motivated to work out because it gives you somewhere to be every day and makes exercising more of an event than just going to the gym alone.

Additionally, classes are a great way to learn new workouts that you might not have tried before.

Think Ahead

Think of how you are going to feel after working out rather than focusing on all the reasons why you don't want to work out in the first place. For example, instead of thinking about needing more rest or that it's too cold outside, focus on what a great mood you'll be in once you have exercised.

You can also think about how much better your skin will look because exercising releases endorphins. Endorphins can positively affect your skin cells to make your skin glow after exercise.

When you think about all the positives of exercising, if something does come up where you can't work out, then those positive thoughts will keep you motivated until working out is possible again.

Incorporate Technology

Use technology as motivation by setting fitness goals and tracking your progress on apps like Fitbit. There are so many different kinds of fitness trackers available that it's easy to find one you're comfortable using, most of them allow you to set goals for steps taken or calories burned throughout the day.

Many of them sync up with other apps like Apple Health and Google Fit. That way if you feel yourself lacking motivation all day long, checking in to see how close you are to reaching your goal can motivate you.

Reward Yourself

Give yourself rewards once you reach certain milestones while working out. For example, say to yourself, “Every time I hit twenty five workouts, I will treat myself to a new workout outfit.” 

That way, even if you don't feel like getting in your daily exercise that day, the thought of buying something new for yourself will motivate you to get moving!

Get a Workout Partner

Get a group of friends together and working out something that everyone does at least once every week. Even when it's just an hour or two, going on walks around your neighborhood and having meet-ups centered around staying active will motivate all involved. 

One way to get a workout partner is through the power of social media. There are many fitness-related groups on Facebook where you can find people looking for new workout buddies! 

You may also want to ask your friends and family if they know anyone who goes to the gym regularly. It's likely that someone in their lives has mentioned wanting an extra person or two to go to the gym with, so why not be that person?

If all else fails, start asking around until you find someone willing to join you every time you go to the gym.

It's worth it to go all out to get a workout buddy. You'll have more fun because there's someone else besides yourself always counting down another workout day. This means fewer days spent feeling bored or lethargic from being inactive. 

One of the best things about having a workout partner is being able to count on someone when you are feeling low. The more people who are counting on you, the more likely it is that you will stay motivated and stick with it. Anytime you feel discouraged, just remind yourself that your workout partner also has my back.

Try new Activities

Trying new workouts should be something that you are open to. Being open to trying new things keeps your workouts interesting and ensures that you don't quit because of sheer boredom.

Remember, working out doesn't have to be boring since there are so many different things you can do like running, swimming or playing sports. 

You can also try online workouts such as Openfit's bodyweight exercises to do at home. Trying these types of programs from the comfort of your home will keep you motivated and ensure that you achieve your goals.

Check YouTube and Instagram to find new workouts consistently as well. One thing to bear in mind about these workouts though is that you should never overtax yourself. Your workout should be challenging but not so difficult that it makes you feel like you are not good enough.

This is especially important if you are going to try any unregulated exercise program from social media. If you find that a particular person's videos and exercises are pushing too hard, find other videos that are more tailored to your current fitness level.

Remember How Working Out Can Improve Your Life

Always remember the benefits and rewards working out has on your life. For example, getting healthier means less time out from work due to feeling sick all the time, which saves money on medical bills.

Additionally, it also gives you more energy so that you're able to get tasks done around the house faster and spend quality time with loved ones when they come over for dinner or other family activities.

It's easy to forget how many fantastic things working out does for you. However, keeping those thoughts in mind helps motivate you towards better health habits. 

Better health habits ultimately lead to you being happier overall since you'll feel a lot better about yourself.

Remember to Relax

Don't just focus on exercise and getting healthier but also relax more too! Several relaxing activities can easily become workout routines.

Try taking walks outside, cooking healthy meals, or even playing sports with friends. All of these can help you stay active without feeling bored or stressed out afterward. 

It doesn't have to be the same old gym day after day since working out should always be something fun rather than something you dread. 

Remember that you need rest days. Make sure that you pick your rest days wisely since resting is as important as working out itself. Two to three days of rest per week is perfectly acceptable.

Rest days can motivate you to keep going because you know you will be rewarded with some downtime.

Also from a health perspective, resting helps your muscles to recuperate so that you can reap the benefits of all the workouts that you are doing.

Actively Seek Ways to Constantly Stay Motivated

Motivation doesn't just come from within; sometimes it's necessary to get creative with helping yourself out! 

For example, on days where exercising isn't possible due to time constraints  instead of sitting around and feeling miserable about not being able to workout, try switching up your routine.

You can start walking during your lunch break at work or using the stairs instead of taking an elevator. These little fitness nuggets when incorporated into your day can make a big difference.

Treat Yourself to New Clothes

Once per month treat yourself to some new clothes. When you have new clothes that you need to fit into hanging in your closet it reminds you why exercise matters.

This will keep you feeling motivated. Getting rid of old items in your closet that are now too big helps. There's no reason to go back and forth between two different wardrobes if you stay on target and reach your weight and fitness goals. 

Clothing has a strong psychological impact and can serve as a daily motivator for you.

Get Healthy

Getting healthy and staying fit can be extremely difficult and there are times when your motivation will fail. It is at these times that you have to remember why you started your fitness journey in the first place. 

Once you can see your goal you will be able to achieve it. However, you will need to be very disciplined. If you use the tips given here you will have no trouble staying motivated so that you can reach your weight loss and fitness goals in no time.