How do I stay motivated with new fitness program?

Answer 1

You need external motivators as well as internal ones. As far as external motivators, you can set certain goals for yourself -- weight loss, muscle tone, endurance -- that you can keep track of to show progress. It's very motivating if you can just keep going long enough to start seeing results. You can also track your progress as far as dietary changes you may have made -- it has been calculated by some dietitians and nutritionists that 3000 Calories is about equal to one pound of body weight in fat, so if you decide to count Calories, you can show that cutting down about 500 Calories a week will result in a little under a pound of fat lost in a month and a half, if you do nothing else. By reducing your intake by a little bit and keeping tabs on it, you have one more way of tracking progress. Finally, negative motivators sometimes help -- find a picture of someone really fat and lazy and put it on your fridge next to a picture of someone who is in the shape you'd like to be in. If it serves as a reminder of where you've been and where you're going, it might help you avoid the Hagen Daaz more often.

As far as internal motivation, realize that a consistent workout program will help you feel better; just remember how good it feels to finish a workout and that feeling of accomplishment for having done something good for yourself once you're done. As a number of associates of mine have discovered, it also tends to help libido, too, if that makes a difference -- if you feel better about yourself, you're more likely to be interested in lovin', and even if you haven't lost an ounce, that inner confidence and assertiveness can make you more attractive to the opposite sex. It really works -- my wife started getting honked at by guys driving by a lot more after about a week, even though she hadn't lost any weight, gained any muscle (visibly) or gotten any faster at running, so just holding herself more upright and visibly enjoying the process made her that much more attractive. Worked for me, anyway *grin*

Just make sure you can maintain your fitness program (don't work out to exhaustion, in other words -- you're not trying to kill yourself here) and keep it interesting by varying the types of exercises you do (don't think of it as a routine, in other words). Every now and then, also try to push yourself a little harder -- say you've run a couple of miles three times a week, and on one weekend, you decide to try a 5K and really push it to try and meet some time goal. Or if you swim, see if you can add half again the number of laps before you stop and rest. You can often surprise yourself with how much more you can do than you thought, and that adds a positive note to your conditioning (even if, on that one day, you do manage to wear yourself out... it's a GOOD tired)

Answer 2

I also have a new fitness program going. I have done it for two days and I feel so good after i work out!

A lot of things have motivated me...

1) I think about how much it will pay off!!!

2) I feel really good after a good workout and proud of myself

3) I know that I will be a healthier person

4) My aunt promised me that if I could complete the workout everyday of the week, I would get a small treat on sundays.

5) I work-out with my best friend Monique, and we have a great time together!

These are the reasons that i do my workout everyday! :)

Answer 3

make the fitness program part of your daily routine, if you miss a day don't beat yourself up, just go back the next day.

Work out with a partner - not as easy to skip the gym if you are letting someone else down.

Track results so that you can see progress. Once you see a quantifiable difference it will keep you going.

vary your routine as much as possible. Don't keep doing the same tired old exercises. Switch it up by doing functional movements that incorporate several body parts.

Answer 4

My advice is to sign up for a pilates class at the nearest community college. You'll be able to learn new moves and improve your form. You'll also meet great ppl to keep you motivated. Also, go out and buy some pilates videos. I know Ross sells A BUNCH in the front of thier stores for like 5 bucks. Oh and you can also buy some new equipment like a pilates ring or machine (if you wanna splurge). I hope you keep it up the rewards are amazing. Good luck n stay strong!

Answer 5

Motivation is not a problem if you pick a program that includes physical activity that you enjoy. If you are enjoying yourself it is easy to commit to the program. My friend and I meet at the club for water exercising four days a week. It doesn't even feel like we are exercising so the hour is up before we know it.

Answer 6

I find it helpful to make a food and progress diary. Write how you feel when you are having sucess and log when you are not as well and then write down a commitment to do better. Also, if you can find a friend who is also participating in a fitness program ask them to be your fitness partner. Whether you excercise together or not, you can share your goals and help each other with your accountabilty to your respective programs.

Answer 7

1. Put up a pair of jeans you would like to be able to fit into up in your bedroom where you can see it.

2. Put up a picture of a body of a person you would like to look like.

3. Read fitness magazines for tips and motivation.

Answer 8

Don't do the same exercise every time. Rotate your exercises. This will also help you to not reach a plateau or at least not for long. Having a workout buddy or group might help, too. Remember, you can burn calories by doing things that are more fun and less chore, like dancing or hiking or bicycling.

Answer 9

Add variety by switching up your routine. Try workout videos, classes, working out with a friend, anything to reduce boredom. Also, use little rewards! This will make you feel good about what your doing and act as an incentive. Good Luck!

Answer 10

if you don't stick to the fitness program you won't get to where you want to with your body and look.

doing nothing will give you nothing.

this is what i tell myself if i don't feel like jogging. if you don't feel like it you won't stay in shape without excercising.

you could break your workout and do a bit each day. like twenty minutes or thirty minutes per day instead of an hour every few days.