We all know we should be doing more, but how do we keep moving when our motivation slips, the weather takes a turn for the worse or life gets in the way?
1 Work out why, don’t just work out
Our reasons for beginning to exercise are fundamental to whether we will keep it up. The only way we are going to prioritise time to exercise is if it is going to deliver some kind of benefit that is truly compelling and valuable to our daily life
2 Get off to a slow start
The danger of the typical New Year resolutions approach to fitness, is that people jump in and do everything – change their diet, start exercising, stop drinking and smoking – and within a couple of weeks they have lost motivation, or got too tired. If you haven’t been in shape, it’s going to take time. Start slow and include rest days.
3 You don’t have to love it
It is helpful not to try to make yourself do things you actively dislike, but don’t feel you have to really enjoy exercise. A lot of people who stick with exercise say: ‘I feel better when I do it.’” There are elements that probably will be enjoyable, though, such as the physical response of your body and the feeling of getting stronger, and the pleasure that comes with mastering a sport.
4 Be kind to yourself
Individual motivation – or the lack of it – is only part of the bigger picture. Money, parenting demands or even where you live can all be stumbling blocks. Tiredness, depression, work stress or ill family members can all have an impact on physical activity. If there is a lot of support around you, you will find it easier to maintain physical activity. Don’t set yourself up with goals that are too big, you may fail and then feel like a failure.. Be sensible and ask your coach for advice on goal setting.
5 Don’t rely on willpower
If you need willpower to do something, you don’t really want to do it Instead, think about exercise “in terms of why we’re doing it and what we want to get from physical activity. How can I benefit today? How do I feel when I move? How do I feel after I move?
