Getting motivated to get in shape
Getting in shape is frustrating for just about anyone. If you don't set realistic goals and work on it daily, you may find that it will take weeks before you are able to get motivated to get in shape. We all have our excuses why we just can't get in shape but now is the time to toss the excuses out the window and work hard.
Step # 1 - Set a goal
In order to help yourself get motivated to get in shape, you need to set a goal for yourself. Maybe you want to lose 30 pounds or you want to get back into a size 28 waist again. Whatever your motivation is, write it down. Even if you want to lose weight to look good for your spouse, make sure you believe in this goal too. If you are comfortable with your weight, set a goal to tone up, not drop weight.
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Healthy weight loss is 2 pounds per week. Calculate how many weeks it will take for you to lose all the weight and then add in an extra 2 weeks in case you have a couple weeks where you fall off the wagon. Instead of working on the larger goal of losing 30 pounds, work on the small goal of losing 8 pounds this month. Like other goals in life, your weight loss and exercise goals must be realistic.
Step # 2 - Get a routine
It is easier to stay on track with your weight loss and exercise goals if you have a schedule to follow. If you join a gym, sign up for classes so you can force yourself to attend. If possible, get an exercise buddy that is motivated to help you stay focused. This is a great way to stay motivated because you don't want to let your friend down.
If you like to come home and watch television, tell yourself that you cannot watch until you have exercised for 30-60 minutes. Then, a little TV time can be your reward. To make the treadmill time go faster, watch TV while you are exercising.
Step # 3 - Pictures
A great way to help yourself stay motivated about exercising is to get pictures of what you want to look like and put them on your fridge. You can also use pictures of what you don't want to look like to help you make the decision to avoid certain foods. A fun way to stay motivated with pictures is to snap weekly photographs of yourself. This will allow you to actually see the hard work you are doing. Wear the same swimsuit each time you take the picture so you can evaluate if your body is starting to change and look healthier.
Step # 4 - Keep a journal
An exercise journal is a great way to help stay motivated about losing weight and getting in shape. Write down how much you weight each day and then write down how long you exercised and how long you exercised for. This way you can look back on it to see how far you have come and what you did in the past when you had a chocolate craving attack!
Tip # 5 - Have fun
Exercising doesn't always need to be a dreaded task. Look for ways to have fun with exercising. Try picking up a new hobby that forces you to get physical like rock climbing or hiking. Make it a goal to spend at least 30 minutes outside running and playing with your kids each day, it's a great way to make sure you all stay healthy!
