My 3 top tips to staying motivated!
1.Set short term, achievable goals-
Whether you are only just starting your health and fitness journey or you have been at it for years it is SO important to set goals for yourself. I always recommend short term, realistic goals, this is because generally if you set yourself short term goals you are more likely to stick to them as they don't feel too daunting and unachievable, it’s so rewarding when you have reached your goal and are then able to set yourself a new one. Goal setting can be anything from wanting to fit into a pair of shorts that you wore the summer before that no longer fit, or loosing two inches off your waist to running 5k in under 30 minutes.
2. Track your progress-
Because how do you know you're making progress if you don't track it?? I always say to my clients the only negative to becoming fitter and healthier is that generally people become more critical of themselves because they’re doing everything right so you want to see results straight away, and when you don't it can be demotivating. But remember, Rome wasn't built in a day! In my opinion the BEST way to track progress is progress photos and body measurements. I know it’s a controversial topic but I'm personally not a massive fan of the scales, I think in a few cases it’s necessary but as a general rule I think there are more accurate ways to track progress. It’s easy to get disheartened and fixated by the number on the scales when there are SO many factors as to why the number you see can be inaccurate/misleading. This doesn't mean you shouldn't weigh yourself ever again because I know there are some people that find it really motivating. You have to find what works for YOU. Everyone is different, what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.
3. Just get it done-
I am the worlds biggest procrastinator… and sometimes I come up with every excuse not to go to the gym or go out for a walk, and all it takes is me telling myself to just get up and do it, because I know that once I'm there I’ll enjoy it and I always feel so good when it’s done. People make so many excuses as to why they can’t exercise, especially if it’s not their favourite thing to do, but if we can make time to do the things we enjoy, or sit on our phones for an hour at night, or go for a coffee with a friend, we CAN make the time to get out and be active, even if it’s a 20 minute walk, or a half an hour circuit workout. Always remind yourself that SOMETHING is better than NOTHING and you will be glad you did it once it’s done. Exercising releases lots of happy endorphins so when you're in a bad mood, or have had a stressful day the best thing you can do is get up and move, even if its the last thing you feel like doing! Exercise isn't only beneficial to your physical health, it is also amazing for your mental health.
But remember this is a lifestyle, motivation is something that will come and go, don’t beat yourself up for feeling unmotivated, or having a few days where you give in to it and relax with your diet and don't manage to exercise as much as you'd plan, these things happen to all of us from time to time! The important thing is picking yourself up and getting back on it and realising that it’s all part of the process.
Struggling with motivation and feel like you need some help and guidance? Get in touch and I will help you every step of the way!