It's always tough to stay motivated this time of year. Parties, holidays and nasty weather make it tough to keep on schedule. If something isn't working for you schedule wise, don't quit, modify it!
Remember that there are no hard and fast rules to getting in and staying in shape. Just do it slowly and never take your eye off your goal. I've been Lithing for years and every 6 months my body STILL continues to change, become stronger and more fit.
The next time you start to slide with your exercise program, stop and think. The on again off again exercise routine will never get you the results you want. Instead, use these tips to stay on track and achieve and achieve your desired fitness goals:
1. Try not to beat yourself up if you miss a class. Life is full of challenges and unexpected obstacles. Setbacks happen, but try not to let a couple of missed workouts turn into two months of inactivity-There is no excuse for that!
2. Take a break. A plateau, burnout or lack of motivation might be your body asking for a break. Take an occasional break from your regular exercise routine for a few days or so, keeping active with some low intensity activities like walking.
3. Write it down. Does it ever seem like you're not getting anywhere? Monitor your program to adjust your regime as necessary. Writing it down also lets you measure the improvements you've made over time (like finishing Hotstepper or doing 30 push-ups), which is good to review during times of waning motivation.
4. Treat yourself to technology. Tools like heart rate monitors and calorie trackers make exercise more fun and let you see instantly the results of your efforts.
6. See the whole picture. Focus on all the benefits of exercise, like how a good workout makes you feel, your productivity level at work or the decrease in your cholesterol or stress level.
The more benefits you can identify the more motivated you are to exercise, even at times when you don't feel like it. Get your self together!
Image via Garance Dore
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