For some unknown reason, it's always easier to start an exercise program than to keep it going. It's not clear what causes this loss of motivation, but there are some ways we can recharge ourselves when we start to lose steam. Workouts don't have to be drudgery, and the most important part of staying on track is keeping exercise fun.
* Before choosing a workout plan, think about what you really like to do. Don't commit to jogging if you don't like to run. Pick an activity you enjoy and then turn that into your workout routine. If you hate to run but love to walk, set a goal to walk a set number of miles every week.
* Listen to music or motivational tapes while exercising or perform workouts with a friend. The time will pass faster, and having a buddy can reinforce your commitment to a goal.
* Don't let a physical trauma keep you from working out. There are many ways to exercise even if you are injured or recovering from surgery. Consider a water exercise like the aquatic treadmill. In addition to healing and strengthening injured tissue, it can reduce joint stiffness, reduce blood pressure, tone muscles, burn calories, increase flexibility, and improve cardiovascular function.
* Focus on maintaining a regular routine instead of on checking for results. If you're working out to lose weight, don't get on the scale every day. Instead, weigh in once a week and record your progress.
* Don't let pain get in the way. When we start a new exercise routine, there's usually some strain because we're using new muscles and movements. Whenever you feel discomfort, remind yourself that feeling slight discomfort means that something positive is happening in your body. Just be sure not to overdo it.
* Keep your eye on the goal and don't lose sight of your objective. Focus on what you want to achieve instead of on feeling frustrated because you're not there yet.
* Having a physical disability is no reason to avoid exercise. Aquatic therapy can be a wonderful workout alternative for anyone with a disability or is trying to regain strength. Muscles that may be immobilized by braces or wheelchairs can be strengthened without strain or fear of falling, while the warm water promotes deep relaxation even during movement.
The biggest trick to staying motivated is to build pleasure into your workout routine. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. When workouts become fun, they feel more like recreation than work.
This guest post was contributed by Brandon Serna on behalf of Hydroworx, a fitness products company that specializes in innovative exercise pools and therapeutic pools for athletes and patients around the world.
For some unknown reason, it's always easier to start an exercise program than to keep it going. It's not clear what causes this loss of motivation, but there are some ways we can recharge ourselves when we start to lose steam. Workouts don't have to be drudgery, and the most important part of staying on track is keeping exercise fun.
* Before choosing a workout plan, think about what you really like to do. Don't commit to jogging if you don't like to run. Pick an activity you enjoy and then turn that into your workout routine. If you hate to run but love to walk, set a goal to walk a set number of miles every week.
* Listen to music or motivational tapes while exercising or perform workouts with a friend. The time will pass faster, and having a buddy can reinforce your commitment to a goal.
* Don't let a physical trauma keep you from working out. There are many ways to exercise even if you are injured or recovering from surgery. Consider a water exercise like the aquatic treadmill. In addition to healing and strengthening injured tissue, it can reduce joint stiffness, reduce blood pressure, tone muscles, burn calories, increase flexibility, and improve cardiovascular function.
* Focus on maintaining a regular routine instead of on checking for results. If you're working out to lose weight, don't get on the scale every day. Instead, weigh in once a week and record your progress.
* Don't let pain get in the way. When we start a new exercise routine, there's usually some strain because we're using new muscles and movements. Whenever you feel discomfort, remind yourself that feeling slight discomfort means that something positive is happening in your body. Just be sure not to overdo it.
* Keep your eye on the goal and don't lose sight of your objective. Focus on what you want to achieve instead of on feeling frustrated because you're not there yet.
* Having a physical disability is no reason to avoid exercise. Aquatic therapy can be a wonderful workout alternative for anyone with a disability or is trying to regain strength. Muscles that may be immobilized by braces or wheelchairs can be strengthened without strain or fear of falling, while the warm water promotes deep relaxation even during movement.
The biggest trick to staying motivated is to build pleasure into your workout routine. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. When workouts become fun, they feel more like recreation than work.
This guest post was contributed by Brandon Serna on behalf of Hydroworx, a fitness products company that specializes in innovative exercise pools and therapeutic pools for athletes and patients around the world.