A lot of people understand the need to work out, especially if you’re trying to lose that post-baby weight or set a good example for your kids. Unfortunately there is often a difference between knowing that you should work out, and finding the motivation to actually do it. Here are some tips to help you find the motivation to work out.
Remember Why you Started Working Out
There are a lot of reasons to start working out. Some people do it because their doctor recommended it, or because they want to lose weight and fit into their old clothes. Perhaps you did it because you wanted to show your kids that their mom is tough and fit. Keep this reason in mind for a burst of motivation when you need it most. There was a reason you started, so there has to be a reason for you to keep going.
Get a Workout Buddy
If you get bored of your workout or are starting to get unmotivated then it could be time for you to bring in someone else and get a workout buddy. There are a lot of workout routines that are designed for more than one person you can follow. You could just make your own if you want. What matters is that you have someone to share in the workout with. It’s easier to convince yourself to work out if you’re doing it with someone else.
Join a Fitness Class
If you can’t find a workout buddy or just want something more, then consider joining a fitness class. These events are a whole lot of fun and can help you learn something new that you end up really enjoying. Going to a fitness class is a great way to stay motivated to exercise regularly. You can make some new friends while you’re working out as well.
Exercise with the Kids
Kids make for the ultimate workout buddy for a fit mom. Try and find some exercises that you can do together with them, or just take them out for a walk. Exercising with your kids reinforces the positive message of the importance of staying healthy. The more active a child is while they are young, the more active they are likely to be when older. So grab the kids and get moving.
Set Some Goals
You’ll find it much easier to stick to your workout routine if you set some short and long term goals to strive for. Start out by making some small short-term goals and see if it does anything for your motivation. 30 day exercise challenges are a solid choice for short term exercise success. Fitnessgoals.com has the best 30 day ab workout, for example. Don’t forget to reward yourself for meeting your goals. Of course, food makes for a bad reward when exercising!
It can be hard to find the motivation to work out, no matter how much you know you “need” to do it. Keep these tips for staying motivated in mind the next time you feel your motivation slipping. Set some goals, grab the kids, and have fun exercising as a family.
Guest post from Kate Spirito
