8 Ways To Stay Motivated With Your Workout Or Fitness Routines

by Tina Struthers

When we first decide that we need to start exercising regularly, the enthusiasm we started with can quickly fade.  It happens to all of us, so don’t let it bother you.  Here are some ways to keep yourself motivated.

1.  Define your goal.  Before you get involved in any exercise program, make sure that you’ve clearly defined “why” you wanted to start this.  Improving your appearance, lowering your cholesterol, increasing your stamina, losing weight, eliminating fat from problem areas of your body, improving mobility are among the hundreds of excellent reasons for beginning an exercise program. 

The ones that are important to you, and you alone, are the only ones that are really important.  Keep your own personal reasons in mind just before you start exercising.  “I’m doing this because I want (or need) to…”.  This is your own personal goal and it will help to motivate you.

2.  Don’t over do it!  Newcomers to fitness and exercise tend to “hammer and tongs” when they first start.  This is natural enthusiasm because we want to see results fast!  While it’s always important to select a workout program that exactly fits the goal you are trying to achieve, it’s also important to select a reasonable workout schedule. 

When you’re first starting out, try to keep your workouts to 3 times per week.  Working out more than this will only leave you tired and sore.  It will also become a drudgery.  You will tend to look forward to your exercise program if you limit the number of workouts per week.

3.  Don't feel guilty.  Related to Item 2 above are the missed workouts.  Life occasionally has a way of ruining our best-made plans.  This is just going to happen.  If you do miss a workout, don’t fret about it!  Just try your best to get back on schedule.  Don’t let a missed workout turn into a string of missed workouts!  If you let too much time lapse between workouts you might feel guilty and give up.

4.  You need a break.  After you’ve succeeded in having a string of two weeks of successive workouts… take a break!  This will not only give your body a chance to recover but it can also help you out mentally as well.  Natural breaks in routines should be considered a reward for your commitment and help you to look forward to the workout routines themselves.  Do not use these breaks in your established routines to slip back into the sins of the past.  Walk, ride a bike, swim or find some other activity that still keeps you active during your break.  

5.  Social workout.  Working out with a friend or in a group will naturally keep you motivated!  You will find that the “misery loves company” feeling will quickly be replaced by wanting to be a part of a group that has common goals.

The social aspects of working out with a group are irreplaceable.  There’s a lot to be said for the feeling that you are letting others down if you don’t work out as planned.  Not only will you be motivated to participate in the workouts, you will find that you are actually looking forward to the scheduled activity.

6.  Know your progress.  Keep written records of your exercise routines and the progress you have made toward your goals!  This is very important.  Too often we forget about how much progress we’ve made and tend to give up as a result.  Written records can be a huge motivational factor as you begin to make progress.  Being able to see the progress you have made over time can give you just the boost you need to keep up with your exercise routine!  We have a free Microsoft Excel template for you to use right here.  Fitness Progress Chart For Women.

7.  Fitness forums.  Joining an online fitness forum is a great way to meet others and to talk with other people who share your fitness goals.  You will find that everyone involved in these forums can be a great source of motivation, especially if are finding it difficult to keep up with your exercise routine or need an extra boost!  You will also find that you’ll get the motivation you need by giving motivation to others.  To get motivation, give motivation.  There is no better way.

8.  Reward yourself!  Set minor milestones for yourself and plan for something special when you’ve reached it.  This is much easier to do if you are keeping the written records I talked about.  Set up milestones that you know you can reach and continue setting these milestones for yourself every month!  Do not stop.