We’re all familiar with the mental and physical health benefits that come from working out, but sometimes, that isn’t enough to get our bodies moving. Whether it’s been a long day at work or you’re feeling super tired, more times than not, excuses pop up to prevent any exercise from happening.
While there’s nothing wrong with having a couple of rest days, constant excuses can lead to a very sedentary lifestyle. This is where we can help. Read on to discover some golden tips for motivating the mind and body to work out!
1. Go In With A Plan
It’s all too easy to put off exercising if you haven’t prepared for what you’re about to do. Without a plan, excuses start to follow.
To prevent the above situation from happening, take a small amount of time to plan your work out the day before doing it. Whether that involves setting out a complete structure or simply getting your gym gear out of the wardrobe, these small acts of organization will help to convince you that the exercise is worth it.
2. Give Your Body What It Needs
A lot of people put off exercising due to a lack of energy. While lifestyle factors play a huge part in energy levels, so do your own choices. From eating a balanced meal to getting enough sleep, the choices that you make will feed directly back to your levels of motivation. However, if you’re doing all that you can and still feel sluggish, it might be worth looking into taking daily iron supplements. Iron is known for contributing to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (EFSA, 2010).
3. Meditate
Meditation has been around for many years but has only recently been accepted as a worthwhile relaxation technique. By taking time out of your day to meditate, you can bring yourself back to the present moment, making it easier to assess how your body feels. You might end up surprised to realize just how much a moment’s peace can help you tune in with your body and establish exactly what it needs.
4. Set Friendly (But Challenging!) Goals
Lack of motivation to work out might be caused by boredom. After all, if you follow the same routine day in and day out, the excitement soon fades away. If you’re not looking forward to something, you’ll be far less likely to do it!
A great way to mix up your exercise routine is by setting friendly (but challenging) goals. Instead of aiming for something currently out of reach, set smaller goals to hit along the way. This will help to reap a sense of accomplishment without becoming too pressured or burnt out.
The trick here is to focus on goals that aren’t based on weight or appearance. Whether it be to hit a new personal best in the gym or go for a run, these small goals act as stepping stones to the main event.
