Here are a few things that have helped me:
15 minute week--I can do just about anything for 15 minutes. Sometimes when I am dreading workouts (and in effect not doing them) I will have a "15 minute week" where I only do 15 minutes of activity, but I do it everyday. That way it's not overwhelming, I don't dread it and I end up doing way more than I would have otherwise.
Get a Buddy--This can be a great motivational tool. Go for a walk with a friend. You can easily walk several miles without even realizing you have exercised when you have a buddy to talk with. It is also nice to know someone is going to be meeting you somewhere (you have to go) and you don't have to do it alone.
Purchase good gear--Getting fitted for my running shoes was one of the greatest things ever! Highly recommend doing this if you are going to be doing a lot of walking or running. It just feels better and is best for your body. Also, from time to time I like to get some new shorts or tops to workout in. Yeah, it's superficial but hey--it works.
Journal--Keep a journal of how you feel every time you finish exercising. I am always so refreshed and invigorated. I feel good about myself and what I have accomplished. Today a friend and I were saying that we never remember saying "Oh man, I really wish I hadn't worked out just then." Never happens. On the days it is tempting to stay on the couch, flip through the journal and be reminded of the pay off.
Set a goal--Goals help keep us on track and focused. Signing up for my first half marathon was AWESOME! I knew that if I didn't put in the work every day leading up to that race, then I would not be able to do it. It kept me motivated to get out there every day I needed to and on the days I still wasn't feeling it, I did it anyway knowing there was something bigger at stake.
For me, this is pretty black and white. If I don't work out, I can't lose weight. That has been proven time and time again, most recently over the past few months. We can talk motivation all day long but the bottom line is that we have a choice to take care of the bodies God gave us or not. Simple.
Now, I really need to re-read this and take my own advice!!!
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5 comments:
I do just 20 minutes on my treadmil, slow speed (3) but at a 6 incline, watch a dvr show and it goes by so fast, its like nothing, but I have the sweat to prove it was something!
This is a great post! And really great advice :)
great advice and I love how you do add in you need to take it yourself :)
some days that is my biggest downfall.
Glad to see you back! I love the idea of keeping a journal and referring back to it for future motivation. Very cool!
I have been slacking big time with my workouts. I could blame the 30+ days of over 100 degrees for not running but come on that only goes so far.
A friend and I are going to hold each other accountable and start running several mornings before our husbands leave for work. I still can't believe I am crazy or should I say dedicated enough to wake up around 4:30 to work out . We'll see how it goes. But having someone else waiting on me won't allow me to turn off the alarm.
Thanks for this post. I struggle with motivation so much (I'm so a lot of us do). I get so busy sometimes I think I don't have time to put into becoming healthier. Your comment about if you don't work out, you can't lose the weight, hit the nail on the head for me.
Good luck with your further weight loss. I've got a long road ahead myself and I love reading how other people are doing it.
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