It can be tough to stick to a fitness plan. You may have taken a break during a vacation so you can enjoy the time with your family. Maybe you caught a cold that left you sick and sore in bed for a week. Either way, the only way to meet your fitness goals is to work on your plan. Here are five ways to stay motivated to stick to your fitness plan.
Leave Your Guilt Behind
Maybe you gained three pounds during an extended break while eating pizza and binging Netflix. That is in the past and you should look towards the future. If you get bogged down by your previous mistakes, you will be less likely to move forward. You can use your mistakes to motivate you to do better from now on.
Expect Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes and slips back during their journey. An injury or a packed schedule can be difficult setbacks to overcome. No matter what happens, remind yourself that it is up to you to get back on track. It is normal and okay to mess up.
Involve Others
Studies have shown that you are more likely to exercise if a friend is there to work out with you. Find someone that is also working on their fitness plan and suggest partnering up. If friends and family are not available, attend some fitness classes and befriend your fellow classmates or reach out to others in the Actlive Life Facebook Motivators Group. Some areas may have local fitness groups where people come together to exercise. From running, biking, to ultimate frisbee, the choices are endless.
Discover Your Motivation
Your motivation for fitness should be more than seeing a smaller number on the scale. While losing weight is good if you need it, think of it more as an extra bonus to meeting your goals. Maybe you want to be healthy so you can have a more active role in the lives of your loved ones. Perhaps you want to reduce the risk of a certain disease that runs in your family. Whatever your motivation is, make sure that it is strong to push you forward on days you want to give up.
Create Short and Long Term Goals
Think of your fitness plan like a road trip. On a long drive, you want to take a few pit stops and enjoy the view instead of driving along for hours on end. It is much easier to follow through your plan when you set smaller goals. When you reach these mini goals, you feel proud and want to continue pushing yourself. For example, you can set a mini goal for running a 3k in preparation for completing a 5k race.
In Conclusion
While you might have setbacks, you can still meet your goals if you stick with your plan. Remind yourself that every day is a new day to start over and leave your past mistakes behind you. Soon, you will be on your way to a healthy lifestyle.
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise routine. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider.