We've swung around the sun and you might be cooling on your New Year's resolutions. It is oh-so-common to become demotivated and struggle to keep a brand-new fitness routine. Don't sweat it. Everyone does. The good news is that you can rekindle a spark of inspiration, find your footing, and get back on track. Here is how to do just that...
Reflection Time
Taking a few moments to reflect on your goals is an important part of the journey to achieving them. It is important to assess if the goal is attainable, and if not, to make adjustments to ensure that you don't bite off more than you can chew. Reflecting on your goals will help you to be realistic and honest with yourself about what you can achieve. This will also help you to focus on what is achievable and to make sure you don't put too much pressure on yourself. Taking time to reflect on your goals will also help you to stay motivated and make sure that you are progressing in the right direction.
Set Better Milestones
Setting realistic goals is essential to reaching big fitness goals. Start by setting a goal that is achievable and can be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time. Break down that goal into smaller, manageable steps that you can take to reach it. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, start with a goal of running three miles a week, then build up to five miles, then seven, and so on. Each step should be something you can realistically achieve and should move you closer to your ultimate goal. Create a timeline for yourself and track your progress, so you can stay motivated and stay on track. Setting realistic goals will help you stay focused and make progress toward your ultimate fitness goal.
Lean into the Fun
Staying motivated on a fitness journey is all about finding activities that are enjoyable and that fit with your lifestyle. Instead of forcing yourself to do something you don't like, such as cycling, why not focus on something you actually enjoy? For example, if you love dancing, why not choreograph a fun jump rope routine that you can perform? This is a great way to get in shape and have fun at the same time. You can also make it a social event by getting a group of friends together and taking turns creating new routines. The possibilities are endless and you'll find yourself feeling energized and excited to keep moving.
Bottom line here: you don't need to follow a trend or some popular idea of what a real "workout" looks like. If you're moving and it's *fun* you're going to want to do it more. More movement is always better than less when it comes to your health and fitness.
Set the Stage
Creating a physical space in your home dedicated to your desired workout is a great way to stay motivated and keep yourself on track with your fitness goals. Make it easy to get going by setting out your shoes, socks, a cute and comfortable outfit, and your favorite flavored water. You'll be more likely to get going when it's all laid out for you and ready to go. Additionally, you could add a few motivational items to the space like a mirror, a few motivational quotes or images, or a reminder of why you're doing it. Having a dedicated space in your home that is set up and ready to go will make it easier to stay on track and get into your routine.
Feet, Legs, or Back Sore After Working Out?
Consider your shoes... Without great support, even a walk can leave your body with aches and pains. A great shoe with the right orthotic support is the perfect combination to make workouts easier.
Acknowledge Your Progress
Acknowledging your progress is an essential part of making a big lifestyle change or reaching a fitness goal. It is important to remember that progress comes in all shapes and sizes and should be celebrated, even if it is small. Recognizing the small accomplishments you make, such as going for a walk or drinking more water, can help you stay motivated and determined to reach your goals. It can be easy to get down on yourself when you don’t see the results you want right away. Acknowledging your progress helps to keep you focused and can remind you that you are making progress, even if it is slow. Celebrating your progress can also help to build your confidence and make you feel proud of what you are achieving. It is important to recognize your successes and celebrate them, no matter how small.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you're all warmed up to the idea that you're pretty awesome. In order to rekindle that end-of-year motivation, consider these steps: reflect on what you want, set better (more doable) milestones, set the stage so you look forward to your workouts, and acknowledge the progress.