To stick with a workout program, it helps to remember why you started. If your goal was for external reasons, such as a spouse encouragement to workout, it may not work. You have to do it because you want to feel good and feel good about yourself in the process. Studies show that people who have internal reasons for exercising and healthy eating, who are doing it for themselves, stick with the program longer and are more successful. That doesn’t mean that getting fit for a class reunion still can’t be a driving force. It can, but will only drive you to the date of the reunion. You may feel so great at that point, your purpose may change to a “just for you” reason.
Don’t expect miracles and stick with it.
You probably won’t find perfection the first, second or any future workouts. You’re a work in progress. Remember that when you want to go full steam and do a zillion push-ups, but find one is too hard. Everyone struggles at first. You should remember not only why you started, but how hard it was when you started. That gives you a good idea of your progress. When you struggle at first, take note and use it as a benchmark to measure future progress.
Just work your hardest and let your body do the rest.
If you’re following your trainer’s instructions and working your hardest, sometimes you just have to have a little faith. I know one client that was amazing. She did everything precisely as I asked and worked like a crazy person. She had great results and when I asked her about it, she said when I told the group that anyone that sticks with the program will get great results. She had failed many times before and was bound and determined disprove my statement, but had to follow every instruction to the letter to do that. She didn’t prove me wrong, but it was the determination to do so that drove her to success. Use whatever works.
Get a visual to help.
People have used dream boards to achieve all types of success. You can use a picture of yourself before you gained the weight and one now, buy clothing in a smaller size and prominently display it or whatever tangible visual works for you. Maybe weight loss isn’t a goal, but endurance and strength is. Fill a bucket until it’s hard to carry more than a few steps and then once a week measure how far you can carry it. You’ll be amazed at your improvement.
Workout with a friend to get extra support and be generous giving it back to them.
If you overate or missed a session at the gym, don’t feel guilty. It’s only one day. Just continue your program as though there were no interruption.
Make working out and eating healthy a habit. That’s tough to do at first, but once you do, you’ll feel odd doing anything different.
Pat yourself on the back occasionally. Give yourself a little credit for all the work you’ve done thus far, rather than thinking you should be doing more. A positive feeling will keep you going to the gym.