Having an initial desire to start exercising more is already a good startup for getting in shape, but the hardest and the most important part is how to keep your desire going and be motivated to follow up on your fitness goals without failure.
I’ve been there too.
I started hard and kept going for months, then life happened and got trapped into busyness skipping my workouts for day and weeks, making it harder to start over again.
So, I’ve decided to change my approach to work out.
Instead of only thinking about how much muscles I can gain if I hit the gym hard every morning, I’ve decided to think about the surprising benefits of exercising when it comes to my health overall.
Understanding the meaning of workout routines, it’s one of the best determinations you can have and make yourself stay motivated over time.
Aside from gaining muscles and losing weight regular – and I am sure you have heard this before – exercise has proved that it is the best way to prevent and diminish health issues including heart diseases, diabetes, depression, anxiety and many more.
Any time when you are indisposed or you need an emotional lift, physical activity is the best quick solution you will find whether to boost your energy level or to promote a better mood.
At least for me it works this way most of the time.
In this article I want to share with you a few motivational tips that worked for me and I hope they will help you exercise more and not give up after a certain period without reaching out to your goals.
1. Have a plan for your workout routine
Having an established plan before you decided to start your workout routine is very helpful to organize your schedule depending on your daily basis free time.
Simply write down the plan for your first month.
How many days a week would you be able to exercise.
What time of the day?
I suggest you start smoothly maybe with two or three days in your first week of reaching out to the gym after a long time.
After your first week, depending on your job or your other activities you might have you can work out up to four or five days a week.
Remember that you need to rest one day in between, especially if your goal is to gain muscles.
If your goal is to lose weight, then you can reach out as many times as you want if your time allows too.
Usually, weight loss consists more of cardio, which is highly recommended at least 30 minutes every day.
I try to always alternate my movement.
Instead of reaching the gym only I would choose other physical activities too including walking or running outdoors, riding a bike in the park, dancing or playing one of my favorite sports.
You can choose whatever activity fits you better, this way you won’t get bored.
Every type of movement counts as a great way to keep yourself in good shape and having a great health.
2. Choose the right diet
Nutrition is essential for fitness.
I know it can be very hard sometimes to eat the right way, when we are on the go, but at least we can try, especially if we are at home.
Either you choose to eat before or after the workout, fueling your body with the right diet is crucial.
Having a balance among carbs, fiber and proteins can help your body to perform better and recover faster.
Planning your meals during the day of workout is a must you have to think in advance about it.
Depending on your exercise hours, find what’s best for you.
For example, if I work out very early in the morning, around 6 a.m. or 7 a.m., I will skip breakfast.
If I decide to work out around 10:AM, 11:AM I will have for breakfast an avocado toast and a banana or make a protein smoothie.
If your workout plan is later during the day, wait at least two hours after your meal, so you have that fullness sensation.
3. Do not compare yourself
Besides physical activity, exercise can be an emotional journey you have to overcome.
Stop comparing yourself with others at the gym or on your social media.
Your body is simply different than anyone’s else. We are built different and maybe the same type of exercise won’t work for all of us.
Listen to your body and do what’s right for you.
Accept yourself as you are, without comparing too much.
Self-acceptance is very important when you first start to sculpture your body.
There is no way to look as well as someone who may be spent hours in the gym every day for a long time.
Be happy with your look when you see yourself in the mirror and do not let appearances to defeat you.
Like anything else, it takes a decent amount of time to see the change. With continuous motivation, you’ll attain your purpose and build the body you’ve craved for.
4. Find support
Connecting with friends and fellow fitness pro is important to succeed in your workout program to not feel alone in your journey.
Surround yourself with positive people who are willing to ride towards the same destination.
Joining a friend and work out together at the gym or simply doing outdoor physical activities can be more fun and more efficient.
Find social media or YouTube tutorials of fitness pro and follow them. Learning from trainers is helpful to learn how to exercise correctly and find out tips you didn’t know before.
Whichever solution you prefer better, finding support is going to encourage you along the way.
5. Rest when you need it
Resting when you need it is just as important as exercise. If you want to have a successful fitness regimen your muscles need to recover.
Allowing time for recovery is beneficial if you are focused specifically on muscle growth.
Sore muscles, fatigue, and pain are the first signs you need a break.
Notice there is a difference between simply exercising every day in the morning at your home without equipment and working out at the gym.
Having a daily routine of moving 30 minutes a day at the comfort of your home it will be ideal.
When I meant resting, I referred at the fact to be concerned about lifting weights every day.
Or if you want to be daily in the gym alternate your exercises and focus on different parts of your body.
Personally, I choose to work out at least three days a week depending on my schedule. If I can’t reach out the gym, I run in the neighborhood or simply exercise at home for one hour.
6. Treat yourself after the workout
Having a treat to offer yourself after workout routine will motivate you to give all you can during drill hours just so you can award yourself after.
I am more motivated if I know that in the end, I can have two pieces of organic dark chocolate, or an acai protein bowl topped with fresh fruits to treat my palate.
Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or simply jump in a tube bath at home, of course if your time allows it, are simply methods for post-workout treats to offer yourself.
Last Thought…
We all know it’s easy to say it but it’s tough to get started when it’s about tackling your fitness goals.
Surround yourself with determination and get out NOW of your cozy sofa to break your first sweat.
Your body is a unique gift you were given and the only one you only get once. Invest time now in it and you will definitely harvest the results later.
