The biggest cause of fitness program failure is quitting it before success was achieved. You need to identify how to stay motivated, once you’ve created your goals and the plan to achieve them. As a trainer, I find that most people want instant results and after the first few weeks, their enthusiasm and desire seem to wane. For some, it can even happen after the first few sessions. That’s why I also work on motivation. Some people find that knowing that someone is holding them accountable keeps them coming to the gym.
Change your “stinken’ thinken’.”
That line can be attributed to Zig Zigler, one of the original motivational speakers. It’s all about perspective when it comes to staying motivated. If you focus on the negative, it’s bound to turn the experience to a negative one. For instance, if you’re constantly reminding yourself you don’t have time to go to the gym, you’ll experience stress and finally convince yourself you don’t. If you turn that around and look forward to your time at the gym as a break you deserve away from the hustle and bustle, it becomes a treat.
Set specific goals that are achievable.
I want to get into shape, isn’t specific. You’ll never be able to measure your progress or decide when you’ve reached it. I want to be able to fit into a size 6, run two miles without stopping or lose 35 pounds are goals that are specific, achievable and measurable. To make the goal complete you need to give it a time frame, such as three months or six months. It becomes more of a game when you have goals, rather than a drudgery.
Schedule a specific workout time.
If you do anything at a specific time for long enough, it feels wrong when you’re not doing it. Just like brushing your teeth, working out should be part of your daily habits. While you won’t workout hard every day, getting some exercise, such as walking, should part of your daily activities. Trying to fit a workout into your daily schedule when you have time often means never. Creating a specific appointment with the gym helps ensure you’ll make it.
- Workout with a friend. Many people that join the group workouts, do so with a friend. It makes both of you more accountable, while adding more enjoyment to the experience.
- Do fun workouts, besides working out at the gym. Going rock climbing, bike hiking and even out for a night of dancing provides healthy exercise and a great break from the gym. You can add it to your workout regimen to supplement three days a week at the gym.
- Keep supportive people around you. One of the reasons group sessions are so popular is that there’s so much energy and support for each other. You’ll find the same type of atmosphere at our gym.
- Track your progress. You can track your gym accomplishments on paper or take pictures of yourself every four to six weeks in the same outfit and using the same stance. You’ll see an amazing difference along the way.