5 Tips for Motivating Yourself to Exercise

Some people wake up each morning with a natural desire to head to the gym or jog around their local park. Others, however, find that it takes a great amount of push to do a simple ten-minute home workout. If you are the latter, then try not to worry, as there are ways to work out that don’t require a thirty-minute pep talk.

Motivation can be a tricky thing to manipulate, but it’s not impossible. With the right kind of positive thinking combined with a genuinely fun workout, you’ll be moving in no time. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, get in shape, or boost your health, follow these five tips for motivating yourself to exercise.

1: Play a Sport You Love

The easiest way to workout is by combining it with something you love, such as a sport. Sports generally require a lot of physical activity, whether that means swinging your arms back and forth or running across a pitch. It helps that when getting into a sport, you naturally become more competitive, thus pushing you to keep going for longer than you might in a gym.

Some of the most fun sports to play include rock climbing, swimming, and basketball, so look around for some clubs or teams in your area. Remember to stock up on equipment first; jumpchamp.com is the best source for Basketballs and Basketball Hoops online.

2: Eat Healthy Meals

Not all foods are equal when it comes to how much energy they provide. By eating healthy, well-balanced meals every day, you increase your energy levels, which in turn increases the chances of a workout. Sugary foods like energy drinks and candy bars might give you a burst of energy, but it’s only short-lived. Foods high in protein fuel your energy for longer. Not only does eating healthy equal more energy for starting a workout, but it also means you’re likely to exercise for longer.

3: Keep Track of Your Progress

Keeping track of your progress is a simple way of pushing yourself to reach your goals. If you can see the number on the scale go down each week and the measuring tape grow smaller around your waist, you’re more likely to keep going. Plus, keeping track of your weight and measurements in a food diary or on a fitness app provides an indication of what works and what doesn’t.

4: Workout with a Mate

It’s easy to convince yourself to take it easy, but what about a friend? Scheduling workouts with a mate makes you more likely to do the workout as you won’t want to let down someone other than yourself. On top of that, exercising is much more fun when done with someone else!

5: Reward Yourself

Knowing that there’s a reward on the other side of a workout is often enough to push you to do it. While rewarding yourself with an entire cake probably isn’t the wisest choice, there are still plenty of fun treats that’ll make you workout a little harder. A cinema trip, spa session, or new outfit are all great ideas for this.

Exercising is essential for a healthy lifestyle. By using these five motivators, you’ll quickly find yourself in better shape than ever.