As a Personal Trainer, one of my biggest challenges is keeping clients interested in their exercise routines. It has to be enjoyable because if it’s not fun, you won’t do it. So it makes sense that the most successful clients are those who actually like doing their workouts.
How do we stay motivated and keep our exercising fun? Here is a list of 10 ways to keep interested, motivated and focused on fitness this summer.
1. Time
In my experience, when you plan a workout into your schedule you are more likely to stick to it. Alternatively you’ll wake up in the morning and say, “today I think I’ll go for a run if I have time.” Well guess what? Grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, going to the video store, picking up some bagels, and having a root canal all seem to take priority over making time to exercise. Especially when you are a mother. Everything else and everyone else seem more important. When you actually write it down, you are more likely to stick to it. Don’t forget that you need to re-charge your batteries too. You will be a better Mom for it.
2. Morning workouts
Research shows that exercising in the morning is more effective than exercising later in the day. \ If you leave it to later, you will be too tired. You can always talk yourself out of anything! Morning exercisers benefit from more energy, a better night’s sleep and increased mental alertness.
3. Workout with a buddy
Exercising does not need to be solitary. Phone a friend and meet up for a power walk with your strollers. Plan to go the 30 minute route with the hill then treat yourselves to a coffee or tea at the corner coffee shop. Not only is it good for your body, but its good for your soul. Talking is therapeutic and very healthy.
4. Every little bit helps
You don’t need to exercise for hours a day to see and feel the benefits. Little changes in your routine all add up. For example, try taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Or try parking the car further away next time you go to the mall. It all adds up.
5. Spousal support
Ask for help! Have your spouse provide back-up child care for you every other night for 30 minutes. Ask a friend or a neighbour. Sometimes a 30 minute break is all you need to re-charge your batteries and everyone benefits: you, your kids and your spouse!
6. Set goals
It is important to know where you are and where you want to go. Setting short term and long term goals help you to stay focused on your destination. For example, your short term goal could be to strength train 3 times a week and run for 30 minutes every other day. Your long term goal could be to finally run a 10 km in October. Goals keep us focused on the task at hand and keep us motivated to be consistent in our fitness routine.
7. Put your feet up
Rest days are just as important as exercise days. We must rest our muscles so they can heal from the wear and tear that exercise inflicts upon them. Having a day off from working also helps to prevent boredom from setting in. You can have too much of a good thing!
8. Visualization
Picture in your mind how you want to look. Picture in your mind how you want to feel. Visualization is an extremely powerful motivator.
9. Keep it simple
Just keep moving. It doesn’t need to be complicated. All we need is a good pair of running/walking shoes, a good positive attitude and maybe some music! No expensive gyms or fancy equipment needed. Everyone knows how to walk. Simply keep your body moving and your heart pumping. That is exercise!
10. Mix it up
There are so many different things you can do in the summer to stay active and to stay interested. Try roller blading, hiking, water skiing, swimming, cycling, tennis, golf…Cross training is where it’s at.
Enjoy the outdoors, get some fresh air and just keep moving.
So here we are, summer is upon us. And as long as you are motivated and enjoy exercising, you are well on your way to looking (and more importantly, feeling) like a million bucks!
Happy summer!
Susan
Disclaimer
The way to optimal health is to combine good sensible nutrition with consistent strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Consult with a physician before embarking on a new exercise plan. Stop immediately if you feel any pain while doing these exercises.