Many people need that extra push to exercise. Especially at this time of year when things start to become very busy and hectic. I have listed some motivation tips below on how to keep yourself motivated no matter what time of the year!
1) If you think you’re too busy to exercise, try this little trick. Most people try to jump into an exercise regimen full-force and quickly become overwhelmed. Don’t start out by thinking, “I am going to exercise 4 days a week, an hour each time” right out of the gate, baby steps is the key here. Make one day of the week your absolute no-excuses day. Lets say, you make that day Tuesday. No matter how busy you are, get a workout done on Tuesday, even if you only do 10 minutes on the treadmill. At the end of the day, ask yourself if you were any less productive than usual. Chances are, your answer will probably be no, and your favourite excuse will be gone! You can then build on your momentum and make yourself accountable to more days or time of “no-excuses” exercise. I highly recommend either a personal trainer in a 1 on 1 situation or in a class. Trainers are great at maximizing the efficiency of the time you have.
2) Make a wager with someone either you work with or a family member that you do not get along with all the time. You don't want to wager with someone that you don't mind losing to, someone who will create that drive and determination in you to work harder. Make a bet to see who can come out of the holiday season with the most weight lost. With all of those extra indulgences around at this time of year, you will be less likely to eat too much of something you know you shouldn't. If you do treat yourself, you know that you have to hit to gym to work those extra calories off!
3) Make a deal with your family. The rule: You get 1 hour to yourself every day, provided that you use it for exercise. So there's no pressure to do household chores, play marathon games of Monopoly, or do the cooking, dishes, laundry or anything else you may use as an excuse as to why you are too busy. Since it's for your health, it's a deal they can't refuse. And that will allow you to exercise guilt-free while acting as a role model for your children.
3) Make a deal with your family. The rule: You get 1 hour to yourself every day, provided that you use it for exercise. So there's no pressure to do household chores, play marathon games of Monopoly, or do the cooking, dishes, laundry or anything else you may use as an excuse as to why you are too busy. Since it's for your health, it's a deal they can't refuse. And that will allow you to exercise guilt-free while acting as a role model for your children.
4) Plan a vacation for the New Year. I know this one will seem a bit more far-fetched, but it helps. If you are planning on going to a sunny destination, try and plan it for the New Year, most specifically right after the holidays. You know you are going to be strolling around in a bathing suit soon so you will be more conscious about what you put in your mouth as well as not missing your workouts.
To summarize everything here, just remember that something is always better than nothing. If you only have 10 or 15 minutes to exercise, that is fine. That short amount of time getting your heart rate up and getting a bit of a sweat going is still better than sitting around doing nothing. Also, having a little treat here and there is not going to kill you. We are all human, and to be human is to indulge from time to time. This is a great time of year to get together with friends and family to enjoy some food and drink. Just keep in mind that you have worked hard through the year to stay fit and healthy, no point throwing that away with a few weeks of bad choices!
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