Chapter 4 - How to Stay Motivated and Make Exercise Part of Your Routine
Establishing a consistent exercise routine can be a challenge, but it's an important part of maintaining good physical and mental health. Here are some strategies to help you stay motivated and make exercise a part of your lifestyle.
Chapter 4 - How to Stay Motivated and Make Exercise Part of Your Routine
These practical strategies can help you stay motivated and make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
1. Set specific, achievable goals
One of the keys to staying motivated is to set clear, measurable goals for yourself. Rather than just saying you want to ‘exercise more,’ set specific targets like ‘I’ll aim to do two ten-minute strength-based sessions a week.’ This gives you a clear goal and makes it easier to track your progress.
2. Be realistic
It's important to set goals that are challenging, yet realistic. Your body has been through a great deal, so drastically overhauling your exercise routine all at once is often unsustainable. Instead, start small and gradually build up the frequency, duration, and intensity of your workouts over time while being mindful of your energy levels.
3. Find activities you enjoy
If you dread exercise, you're much less likely to stick with an exercise routine long-term. Experiment with different activities like walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, or strength training to find forms of exercise that you actually look forward to. Mixing up your workouts can also help prevent boredom.
4. Identify and address barriers
Everyone faces obstacles that can derail their exercise plans, whether it's a busy schedule, lack of energy, or simply losing interest. Take some time to reflect on what tends to get in your way and consider ways to overcome those barriers. This could mean scheduling workouts first thing in the morning before other commitments pop up, finding a workout partner to keep you on track, or trying new activities to reignite your enthusiasm.
5. Build in rewards
Celebrating your progress, even in small ways, can provide an extra boost of motivation. This could be treating yourself to a new piece of workout gear after reaching a goal, planning a fun outing after a particularly challenging week, or simply acknowledging your hard work. The key is to create positive associations with your exercise routine.
6. Be patient and persistent
Developing a sustainable exercise habit takes time and consistent effort. There will be ups and downs, but try not to get discouraged. Remember that any amount of movement is better than none, and focus on the long-term benefits to your health and well-being. With commitment and the right strategies, exercise can become a natural part of your lifestyle.