If you haven’t exercised in a long time it can be incredibly difficult to get started on a new fitness routine. Even the most hardcore gym goer can experience moments when they lack motivation, citing excuses such as “I’m too busy”, “I’m too tired” or “I’m too stressed.”
Unfortunately, there will never be the perfect time to start working out. Real life will always get in the way, but the key is in finding ways to work around your daily commitments, as well as finding a way of keeping fit that you enjoy.
From wearing inspiring workout gear, to mixing up your routine, to enlisting the help of a workout buddy, keep reading to discover the top four ways to motivate yourself to work out, and you don’t even need to join the gym!
1. Variety is the spice of life
The quickest way to lose the motivation to workout is by doing the same exercise routine day in and day out. Very few people actually achieve their fitness goals by just pounding away on the treadmill for an hour every evening after work.
Instead, ensure that you mix up your daily routine and constantly be on the lookout for fun and inventive ways to keep fit.
From taking a dance class, to going on a bike ride with your kids, to weight training in your garage, the more variety you have the more likely you are to keep active.
2. Look good on the outside
You may not believe it, but the simple act of buying yourself some new workout gear can make a huge difference to how motivated you feel. This is especially important for those who lack confidence in their physical abilities and feel nervous about working out in front of others.
Make sure you find an outfit that fits you well and makes you feel good when you are wearing it, as well as one that allows your skin to breathe as you start to sweat.
Plus, is there really anything better in life than a fresh pair of sneakers?
3. Kickstart your journey with a fitness retreat
If you feel like you need a quick fix to kickstart your journey to a healthier life, then why not look into visiting a Fitness retreat abroad? Ultimate Fitness have a variety of bootcamp locations that each provide a unique and personalized fitness experience than can help you on your road to success. From how to fuel your body for a workout, to how to stay motivated, to a variety of mixed impact classes, a fitness retreat works by completely transforming not only your body, but your mind too.
What have you got to lose, except weight?
4. Surround yourself with positivity
Never underestimate the importance of having positive people in your life when you are trying to make changes to it. It is easy to recognize the people you should be spending time with; those who support your decision to improve your overall fitness and who actively help you to achieve your goals. Negative people, on the other hand, can be harder to spot as it may seem like they are encouraging you, when in fact they are enabling you to make bad decisions.
You know the people. Those who say, “One beer won’t hurt you” or “You’ve become really boring since you’ve started going to the gym.”
It can also be a good idea to find a workout buddy or group of friends that you like to exercise with. Not only will this make fitness more fun, but it means you will be less likely to make excuses not to workout.