Lifestyle
Food & Nutrition
Fitness
You’ve heard the saying no pain, no gain—and it couldn’t be more true when it comes to working out. However, sometimes pain and gain can be counterintuitive; you need to find that balance of exertion versus rest in order to stay motivated and reap maximum benefits from your workout. As with many other things in life, it can be easier said than done, but these seven motivating workout tips will help you achieve your goals and make it all the more satisfying when you look back on the progress you’ve made!
1. Self-Defense as a Reason
Self-defense is a common reason for some people who work out and maybe a reason why you work out. By increasing your physical fitness level, you’ll get stronger, more confident, and fitter. A stronger body means stronger willpower and one that can defend itself in case of an assault. To prevent injury while practicing self-defense in the gym, it’s important to take precautions when doing so. In addition to wearing suitable clothes with soft shoes and socks on our feet, always warm up before your exercise session by stretching. And lastly, don’t forget to cool down after completing your exercise or workout!
2. Injury Recovery As a Reason
There are a lot of motivating factors that can keep us going in our workouts. Some people do it for weight loss or strength, others do it for confidence, and many others simply do it because they enjoy being active. But there’s one workout motivator we tend to forget about—recovery from an injury. If you’ve been sidelined from physical activity due to an injury, working out may be hard at first. But eventually, you’ll have to get back into your workout routine if you want to remain fit and healthy. To help with that transition, try these seven motivational tips for getting back into shape after a sports-related injury Injuries don’t just sideline athletes, but anyone who’s physically active. From muscle pulls to joint sprains, recovering from injuries takes time and patience as well as some creativity. And when you’re feeling frustrated by how long it’s taking to heal, motivation is key. These tips will help:
- Talk About It – With friends, family members, or even your doctor; talking about your recovery will help motivate you to stick with it.
- Reward Yourself – After reaching a goal, whether it’s walking around your block without pain or increasing repetitions on a certain exercise, reward yourself.
- Change Your Viewpoint – Instead of focusing on what you can’t do anymore (such as running), focus on what you can still do (such as walking).
- Be Realistic – Set realistic goals based on what your body is capable of doing right now rather than pushing yourself too hard and risking further injury.
- Find What Works For You – Everyone heals differently so listen to your body!
- Change Up Your Routine – When you start becoming bored with exercises like crunches or lunges, switch things up by trying something new like using resistance bands or training at different times of the day.
- Know When to See a Doctor – Even though you may feel better, it doesn’t mean your injury has healed completely. Letting an expert take a look at your injury will ensure that you’re safe to continue exercising and prevent future problems.
3. Finding Health As a Reason
Maybe it’s something you’ve tried and failed at before, but don’t let that deter you. If working out is a priority, then find a reason why. Maybe it’s so you can wear your favorite pair of jeans again or so you can go swimming with your kids next summer. If it works for you—then go with it! We promise that if fitness becomes a priority, then even just simple things like taking a walk after dinner or finishing a workout video will become easier to get done. And once those small habits start stacking up, our health will benefit greatly!
4. Weight Loss As a Reason
The most common reason for starting a workout program is weight loss. To lose weight, you need to reduce your overall calories consumed and increase your overall activity level. Remember that not all exercise is created equal—you’ll want to focus on high-intensity exercises (walking, running, biking), which burn more calories than low-intensity activities (stretching, walking slowly). Make sure you’re also eating a healthy diet while losing weight; you don’t want to mess up all of your hard work by consuming too many calories (AKA cheat meals are off-limits!).
5. Wanting to Look Better As a Reason
Exercise is an integral part of any weight-loss plan and will help you look better and feel healthier. Make it a habit so you don’t have to think about motivation; if getting fitter and looking better isn’t a reason to exercise, what is? If you find yourself wanting more motivation or need a reminder that it’s time for your next workout, here are some tips to get moving.
6. Having Fun As a Reason
Exercise is a hard sell sometimes. Really, who has time? But if you can focus on how much fun it is rather than all of that time you’re losing, you might be more likely to get moving. For example, instead of Getting off your butt and going for a walk right now! try I’m going for a walk with my friends today. Want to come along? By reframing exercise as an opportunity, you are more likely to make time for it in your schedule—or simply stick with it once you start. Making it social makes exercise seem like less of a chore.
7. Building Confidence As a Reason
Working out is a great way to build self-confidence. Even if you aren’t naturally inclined toward fitness, getting into shape can help boost your self-image and even make you more confident in other areas of your life. Plus, it’s not just about how you look—working out can help improve your health and wellness, too. The endorphins released during exercise act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers—in fact, studies show that people with a regular exercise routine feel happier than those who don’t work out regularly. There are lots of ways you can use working out as a source of motivation—keep reading for some ideas!
