Happy Tuesday!
Do you find it tough to motivate for exercise?
Some of you know you should exercise today, but won’t feel like putting out the energy given the lack of energy to give. Or, maybe you will get so caught up in work or other activities, you just won’t break away to get in your workout.
You may be suffering from a well-known phenomenon called “lack of motivation” – and you are not alone!
A new study from Penn State University, published in the current issue of the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, found that, for many people, motivation to exercise fluctuates from week to week, depending on what other responsibilities they have on their plates.
Not surprisingly, this research found that people with consistently strong intentions to exercise have the best chance of actually following through.
As with everything in life, your values, motivation and discipline are key factors in keeping up a regular exercise program.
So, it is really important to find ways to stay focused and determined.
When you are tempted to skip your exercise session, imagine what might happen if you succumb to procrastination. You may very well lose whatever progress you achieved and that could discourage you from continuing to exercise altogether.
If you are too tired and do not have the energy to exercise, an analysis into your nutrition & lifestyle is in order. Contrary to popular belief, it is generally best not to exercise intensely when already tired or fatigued. If you are confused about this topic, let’s set up a time to talk or email me, otherwise you will be setting yourself up for hormonal failure.
Here are some tips to keep your motivation level at its peak:
- Make fitness a priority: Schedule your workouts ahead of time and commit to follow through. If you allow yourself a way out for any trivial reason (“I am too busy;” “I’d rather go to the movies”), you’ll lose your focus. Research shows those who work out in the morning have greater adherence to exercise programs and better results. For more go to: Workout Soon After Waking.
- Find the right “hook:” Ask yourself what changes / improvements you’d like to see in your life right now. Is it weight loss? Better cardio endurance? Stronger bones and muscles? Relief from stress and anxiety? A University of Michigan study released last year found that the most persuasive exercise message stresses immediate – rather than future – benefits that are meaningful to our daily lives.
- Set realistic goals: Don’t try to lose a lot of weight overnight or build your muscle mass in a few days. It’s good to be ambitious and driven, but if you set the bar too high, you are setting yourself up for failure. However, if your fitness goals are reasonable and easily attainable, chances are you will be more motivated to accomplish them. Also, when you combine nutrition strategies with the exercise goals, you are far more likely to succeed. For many, I focus on nutrition & lifestyle initially. If you are off biochemically, it is very hard to motivate physically.
- Keep it fun: Exercise should not be a chore or drudgery. Ask your trainer to devise a workout that will keep you challenged and motivated. Come join a boot camp program that will challenge and motivate you every workout. And, if you are on your own, once you reach a plateau, shock your body by changing up your exercise routine, adding new and interesting twists to it (your trainer or boot camp instructor should be doing that for you). After all, variety is the spice of life!
- Chart your progress! Any time you achieve your fitness goal(s), congratulate yourself for your perseverance. Check out Fat Loss Tip #25: Treat Yourself With A Reward Each Week. With every milestone you reach, your motivation will soar!
Your friend & coach,
Brien
P.S. Please share my educational content with your friends and family and help me reach my goal of 10,000 subscribers.
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I work with those who desire weight & fat loss, pain reduction and stress management through comprehensive exercise, nutrition & lifestyle strategies. My dream is to coach those who seek my help live their passions with happiness & love.
Thank you for allowing me to help you.
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Brien Shamp BS CSCS CMT CHEK NLC II
Personal Trainer, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach
www.BrienShamp.com
www.Shamp’sBootCamps.com
www.10 DayDetox.com
www.21DayDetox.com
650-654-4604
