We know that resolutions are easy to make and the hardest part is keeping them. We normally feel strong and confident in the beginning of a new year, ready to take on what might come but, as the months go along, things start to fade and we forget the promises we made. In order to go against that fade, it’s important to develop a system that gives us the motivation we need. For me, that sums up in seven different ways, when it comes to keeping up with my fitness regime throughout the year:
1. Go outside; if you have the chance to practice sports outside, do it. Don’t restrain yourself to the gym. Personally I love the gym, but it gets tiring and going for a walk or run outside gives a sort of purpose. I trace a path in my mind and follow it to come back home. If you live in a place where, in the winter, gets as cold and impossible as New York, stick to the gym and focus on your results and changing body. That’s always a good motivation for me.
2. Set small goals; if you are not a runner, don’t set yourself up too high. Take small steps and feel your evolution along the way. No fitness program starts with you running 10k. You can start with just a walk, the first week, pick up your pace the second week, start running on the third week and by the end of the month, I’m sure you will start to feel the difference in your resistance, your pace, your body. It’s a matter of taking things slow.
3. New activewear; for me this isn’t as important but it motivates you for sure. Whenever we buy something new, we are bound to wear it. So buy a new pair of jogging or yoga pants, a set of t-shirts or even new sneakers. I’m sure you will feel a lot more motivated to work out, if you feel good about what you’re wearing.
4. Partner up; personally, I don’t like to workout with someone. I like to run, outside, with someone, but when at the gym, I’d rather be left alone. But that works wonders for most people. Having someone doing the same as you, tracking both your progress and, if you are having those days when you just don’t feel like working out, surely the other person can convince you to go for it. Even if it’s just to gossip.
5. Fitness playlist; this is honestly something that keeps me going strong and highly motivates me to exercise. I have shared with you before my power up workout songs and each month I try to keep my list updated to new tunes that just get me pumpin’. A good playlist can be electrifying.
6. Reward system; if you set yourself up with goals that eventually you know will fade away, try rewarding yourself after each workout. Try thinking about what you can do next that will make you feel motivated about doing it. For me, if I work out in the evening, my reward is being able to come home, shower, put on my PJ’s and just relax in the couch, watching a movie with M. If I work out in the morning, just the thought that I’m going to be fresh and my metabolism will be working along my day, it’s rewarding enough.
7. Water intake; when working out, pre, during and post, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you do so everyday, just water can be boring after a while. Try sprucing up your water with some cucumber, berries or drink more tea.