Maintain Your Exercise Momentum
Are you losing your exercise momentum? Well don't worry; it happens to all of us both new and experienced. However, it is especially common in new exercisers because in the beginning you are so excited about exercising that the adrenaline keeps you going. When the adrenaline wears thin your motivation may waiver
Sometimes your exercise program is overzealous. You set schedules that are impossible to keep. Suddenly you realize you still need time in your life for other things like: working; taking care of your family and home; spending time with friends; or enjoying hobbies. This is when you are the most vulnerable. Rather than just backing off or adjusting the schedule, you tell yourself that it is too much and you either quit or slowly trickle down to scattered and ineffective workouts. The most important thing to an exercise program is consistency.
So how do you get your momentum and motivation back? These tips should be helpful for you whether you are new to exercise or an old-timer.
•The main thing exercisers need to learn: Make it a Habit. Not just a habit but let it have its own place in your lifestyle, like brushing your teeth.
•Decide on a minimum exercise baseline that you can live with such as ten minutes a day, or 3 times a week. You could also do something like, you’ll exercise 3 days a week with no time limits. Find a point that you can manage, then if you can’t exercise as much as you’ve planned stick to your baseline. Every minute of exercise helps in a cumulative effect. The main thing is you make a promise to yourself and you keep the promise, no matter what.
•What is your goal for participating in regular exercise? Why is exercise important to you? Make sure you are exercising for reasons that motivate you. Some people are motivated by health issues, such as controlling an illness. Others to prevent illness and disease through the benefits of exercise.
Still others are motivated by more personal incentives such as weight loss. Some of you want to look good and that’s okay. You can admit that you want a tight butt and flat abs. Many people are embarrassed to confess their real reasons for exercising because they are afraid of appearing vain. Hey, if that’s what motivates you then go for it.
•Let up on yourself. There’s nothing worse than the guilt trip you put on yourself if you don’t keep your exercise appointment. Try to look at your workout time as a part of your total lifetime, not just a few hours, days, or weeks. Put exercise into perspective in your lifestyle. Use the minimum baseline you have established and work with it to maintain a balance of good exercise habits throughout your life.
•This may be the moment to change up everything. It’s time to think outside the box. Try something different that can become your new passion. Even if it doesn’t sound like legitimate exercise but it gets you moving, then it works.
Many people love to garden and gardening is work. Most of the time gardening is not considered an “official exercise”, but if you love it then make it your passion this summer and reap the benefits of active movement.
•Switch to reverse. For example, if you are an avid runner but are finding yourself tired and it is hard to get in your daily runs, then reverse. Try becoming a yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates student for awhile.
A change like this doesn’t have to be permanent but you may find such enthusiasm that you decide to take a break from running. However you may return to your running workouts with a new fervor. Of course there is also the possibility that you will want to combine the old and the new for a whole new workout style.
•If it feels like nothing is going to get you back into the exercise arena then there is always the option of taking a break. This does not mean you are a failure. Try setting a time limit for your break and stick to it. Remember once you’re an exerciser, you’re always an exerciser, so never give up on yourself. Just don’t wait too long to make your next move.
Always check with a medical professional before starting or making changes to your exercise routine. Be healthy, be happy!
To Purchas my EBOOK click here: Exercise Basics
Sometimes your exercise program is overzealous. You set schedules that are impossible to keep. Suddenly you realize you still need time in your life for other things like: working; taking care of your family and home; spending time with friends; or enjoying hobbies. This is when you are the most vulnerable. Rather than just backing off or adjusting the schedule, you tell yourself that it is too much and you either quit or slowly trickle down to scattered and ineffective workouts. The most important thing to an exercise program is consistency.
So how do you get your momentum and motivation back? These tips should be helpful for you whether you are new to exercise or an old-timer.
•The main thing exercisers need to learn: Make it a Habit. Not just a habit but let it have its own place in your lifestyle, like brushing your teeth.
•Decide on a minimum exercise baseline that you can live with such as ten minutes a day, or 3 times a week. You could also do something like, you’ll exercise 3 days a week with no time limits. Find a point that you can manage, then if you can’t exercise as much as you’ve planned stick to your baseline. Every minute of exercise helps in a cumulative effect. The main thing is you make a promise to yourself and you keep the promise, no matter what.
•What is your goal for participating in regular exercise? Why is exercise important to you? Make sure you are exercising for reasons that motivate you. Some people are motivated by health issues, such as controlling an illness. Others to prevent illness and disease through the benefits of exercise.
Still others are motivated by more personal incentives such as weight loss. Some of you want to look good and that’s okay. You can admit that you want a tight butt and flat abs. Many people are embarrassed to confess their real reasons for exercising because they are afraid of appearing vain. Hey, if that’s what motivates you then go for it.
•Let up on yourself. There’s nothing worse than the guilt trip you put on yourself if you don’t keep your exercise appointment. Try to look at your workout time as a part of your total lifetime, not just a few hours, days, or weeks. Put exercise into perspective in your lifestyle. Use the minimum baseline you have established and work with it to maintain a balance of good exercise habits throughout your life.
•This may be the moment to change up everything. It’s time to think outside the box. Try something different that can become your new passion. Even if it doesn’t sound like legitimate exercise but it gets you moving, then it works.
Many people love to garden and gardening is work. Most of the time gardening is not considered an “official exercise”, but if you love it then make it your passion this summer and reap the benefits of active movement.
•Switch to reverse. For example, if you are an avid runner but are finding yourself tired and it is hard to get in your daily runs, then reverse. Try becoming a yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates student for awhile.
A change like this doesn’t have to be permanent but you may find such enthusiasm that you decide to take a break from running. However you may return to your running workouts with a new fervor. Of course there is also the possibility that you will want to combine the old and the new for a whole new workout style.
•If it feels like nothing is going to get you back into the exercise arena then there is always the option of taking a break. This does not mean you are a failure. Try setting a time limit for your break and stick to it. Remember once you’re an exerciser, you’re always an exerciser, so never give up on yourself. Just don’t wait too long to make your next move.
Always check with a medical professional before starting or making changes to your exercise routine. Be healthy, be happy!
To Purchas my EBOOK click here: Exercise Basics
You Should Also Read:
Keeping a Fitness Journal
Develop Confidence at the Gym
Starting a New Exercise Routine
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