Are you struggling to find your motivation to exercise?
Looking to get back into exercise? Have you found the start of this year tougher than usual to return to routine? Maybe you set yourself the aim of getting fitter in 2020 and are struggling to know where to start? Or, perhaps you wanted focus on trying to fit more exercise into your week and it just hasn’t happened? If this sounds like you, then I am going to give a few of my top tips to kick start your motivation for fitness in 2020.
What is it about a new year that sees everyone dive headfirst into new routines, unrealistic fitness goals and complete lifestyle overhauls? In my opinion, the biggest downfall for people trying to get into exercising more and following a healthier lifestyle, is trying to do everything all at once. So, point 1 is:
Too much too soon.
If you have been used to living a fairly sedentary lifestyle, sitting down for most of the day, then setting yourself the goal of running a marathon in 2 weeks time seems like a pretty crazy goal. However, aiming to walk for half an hour every lunchtime and maybe going on a run at the weekend (couch to 5k or Parkruns, are fantastic motivators) will be far more achievable and more enjoyable. Look at your current lifestyle honestly and see where you may be able to fit something in rather than fitting your current lifestyle around fitness. A smaller, achievable, target will be much easier to maintain in the long run.
Going it alone.
Find yourself an activity to try with a friend or a group of people that you actually want to do. Not only will the time pass really quickly, but you will have fun with the added bonus of moving more. Working out with other people is such a big motivator. There are so many events, classes and clubs that you can join in on like Parkrun and This Mum Runs. It would be worth checking your local independent gym for a more personal approach to classes where you are likely to meet lots of other people going on their own. Training with a friend gives you extra motivation that they will encourage you to turn up even when you don’t want to and a little bit of healthy competition can make things really fun.
Get clued up.
Getting into exercise or back to exercise can be daunting if you feel like you are a little unsure of what you are doing. So many gyms and personal trainers offer sessions to help show you around the gym and how machines work. If the gym doesn’t work for you, get outside, walk, bike, run. These are also great things that you can do for free and you can do them anywhere. If you still feel like you need a little more help, hire a personal trainer to push you that little bit harder. If the cost is an issue, share your sessions with a friend or two and in turn you will be sharing the cost.
Make exercise fun.
No, exercise is not always fun and you probably won’t enjoy it all the time. Find something you do enjoy, or something that gives you the rush of endorphins once you have finished. Exercise is not a one size fits all prescription, you just need to see how it can work for you.
These are just a few of my top tips to get your mojo back or to get the motivation to start your fitness journey in 2020. If you find these helpful, drop me a message and let me know. If you are looking for a personal trainer in Bristol, contact me for more information.