Have you stuck with every exercise program that you started?  We all have fallen off the workout wagon at some point in time.  What did it take to get you back on track? Was it you telling yourself “Alright no more BS excuses for not exercising”?  Did you get off the couch and get moving?   

What was the motivational factor that supported this decision? Was it a new outfit?  Feeling better?  Looking better?  Not having a spare tire around your waist?  It doesn’t matter what the reason was, you stopped the BS. 

Getting motivated is the easy part. The killer is staying motivated. Most people are great starters, but poor finishers.  We all have the habit of being fired up by the new trend or a new program.  We sign up at the gym, hire a trainer and suddenly our motivation drops and the excuses start to pile up; “I’m sore, I’m tired, I don’t have enough time.”  Sound familiar? 

To keep yourself motivated, how about writing down some goals before you start? Then add it to a daily schedule where you input time for your exercise routine. When you decide what you want to do then the next step is to take action.  “Just do it” as Chris’s says. Start by getting off the couch and take Rover out for a walk. 

Here are some ways that will get you motivated or keep you motivated in your life

-Think about a new outfit. It’s the one that will look perfect on you when you lose those extra inches. Hang it up where you see it on a daily basis as your motivational piece.

-Make sure you set specific and measurable goals.  Set up a schedule and a routine that will support you and keep you motivated and not set you up to fail. 

-Get rid of your scale.  Scales are not your friends.  I prefer to see my results with how my clothes fit and how I feel, not by what a scale says.

-Reward yourself.  NO not by eating 2 pieces of cake, but have a day off or a small treat.  Increase the reward size when you reach your weekly goal.

-Play with your routine.  If you are going to the gym but it turns out to be a great sunny day, go for a hike instead.  Or alternate with weight training.  The machines are a great way to tone up.

-Find a like minded person who you can buddy up with.  People love to socialize at the gym and it makes it more fun to share these times. 

-Start blogging.  There are thousands of people out there who share the same feelings you have about not wanting to continue, how you feel and what goals you want to achieve.  Sharing is caring and it’s a support at your fingertips.

-Be compassionate with yourself.  Don’t beat yourself up if you have an off day, or you only lost 1 lb this week.  This gets you nowhere really fast.

-Do your workout when you know when you are the most motivated.  Some people are more energetic after work.  So that’s when they go running.  It also is used as a stress reliever.  You sweat out your days’ trials and tribulations.

-Wake up every morning with an attitude or gratitude.  Even before you slip out of bed, say to yourself what are you thankful for.

-You will have the energy to do everything better, stronger, faster and without strain

- You will have a clearer mind and calmer spirit

-Last but not least, you will feel so much better about yourself.  Your self esteem will return, you will be happy again.  These feelings will reflect through you and radiate to the people that surround you. 

            What motivates people varies from one individual to another.  Hopefully you begin using the No BS excuses for not exercising information and take action in living a longer and healthier life. 

But it all comes down to this; you taking action and responsibility for your own personal health and growth.  Nobody can do this for you, only YOU can!

Remember, constant effort is the key to unlocking your potential

Chris Sine
Fitness Trainer
E: Chris@NoBSFitnessforLife.com
W: www.NoBSFitnessforLife.com