Exercise Motivation Tips

If you need some extra motivation to start or continue an exercise program, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are so many benefits to living a physically active life, one of these reasons is likely to strike a cord with you!

Improve Your Quality of Life:

• Exercise will not only extend the length of your life; it will improve your quality of living. You will be less likely to develop osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis and chronic diseases associated with obesity.
• Exercise will make everyday physical activities easier! Things like carrying grocery bags, vacuuming, and walking up stairs will be much less of a challenge when exercise is part of your life.
• If weight loss is a goal, keep in mind that the more exercise you get, the more lean mass (muscle) you will have. So not only will you look more toned, you will also burn calories much more efficiently!

Here are some motivational tips for starting your exercise program:

• Start slowly, both with the number of different exercises you do and length of time you spend at each session.
• Use visualization daily: visualize yourself completing a great work out.
• Take responsibility for your emotional and physical health.
• Schedule, prepare and plan your exercise: make a regular appointment with yourself.
• Set realistic goals.
• Make exercise a Top Priority.
•  Keep a daily exercise log.
• Enjoy your workouts.
• Don’t feel guilty when you miss a session or two; negative feelings hinder motivation.
• Believe in yourself: You can do it!

Here are some motivational tips for continuing your exercise routine:

• Exercise at a new time of day.
• Break up your workout: aerobic workout in the morning then strength train and stretch at night.
• Try new moves, exercises, or sports: take a new aerobics class, try Tai Chi, or try cross-country skiing — variety is the spice of life.
• Recruit a family member, work associate, or friend as an exercise partner.
• Create distractions while you workout: exercise to your favorite music or television show.

Finally, if you miss a week or two, or more—don’t beat yourself up over it. It is never too late to get started again, and remember: this happens to the best of us.