Regardless of your age or fitness level, you can make with some motivation your exercise a lot less intimidating, and turn it into something fun that you would want to do. If you are having trouble getting yourself psyched up for exercising, then here are some tips to help you get going:
Find out why you want to exercise
Intrinsic motivation is much more powerful than motivation coming from external pressures. Improving your overall health so you can live long enough to watch your children graduate from college and get married is a stronger motivator than losing weight in time for the beach season.
Intrinsic goals will help you feel motivated longer than extrinsic ones. It is mainly because you are getting guidance from what you want rather than focusing on what you think other people want to see from you. External motivation will always be fleeting, and you will always feel like you are not trying hard enough.
Get rid of the all-or-nothing mindset
Here’s the deal; you do not need to spend the entire day at the gym, nor should you force yourself into boring and strenuous activities just so you can gain the benefits of exercise. Keep in mind that a little exercise is worlds better than not exercising at all. You can add a bit of physical activity into your weekly routine and it will already have a profound effect on your overall health.
Do not be too hard on yourself
Actual medical research shows that having a lot of self-compassion greatly increases your chances of success in any endeavor, including working out. Do not be too hard on yourself for letting yourself go and not having enough willpower to work out. Instead of chastising yourself, learn from your past mistakes and vow to never do them again. Use your experiences as an opportunity to grow.
Have realistic expectations
It took a long time before you got out of shape and the reality is it will take even longer for you to become fit again. Getting your expectations too high will only make you feel frustrated when you inevitably fail to reach them.
The best thing to do is to stop obsessing over your results. Focus on being consistent with your workouts, instead. Although you will immediately notice an improvement in your mood and energy levels, the payoff in physical appearance will take a bit more time, so be patient.
Gaining and maintaining the motivation to work out is probably more difficult than the exercises themselves. Follow the tips above so you can keep yourself motivated throughout your fitness journey.
