Fitness journey is never easy. Even difficult is to stay cling to the goals till end. How to stay motivated in the fitness journey is a herculean task. Fitness enthusiasts spend fortune on gyms, but the real motivation to run the mill comes from within.
HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED IN YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY
Fitness journey does not start and end within the four walls of the gym. The journey to fitness starts and continues daily inside you. Fitness journey has many roadblocks and you often feel stuck in the journey. Finding your “why” can be crucial to unlocking your motivation. When you have a strong reason behind “why” you want to get fit and healthy, it becomes easier to stay motivated and committed to your goals.
The first thing after you find your WHY is to become SMART!
Setting SMART goals is arguably the foremost step in developing a fitness regime.
The foundation of any successful fitness journey lies in setting clear, measurable, and achievable goals. By outlining specific targets, such as weight loss, muscle gain, or improved cardiovascular endurance, you can create a roadmap to guide your progress and stay motivated along the way.
SMART is an acronym that stands for the following
- specific
- measurable
- attainable
- relevant
- time-bound
Consider the following fitness goal:
“I will perform resistance training 4 times per week for the next 10 weeks.”
This goal fits neatly into the SMART paradigm and gives you a distinct set of criteria that you have a great deal of control over.
This allows you to be the driver of whether you achieve the goal, as opposed to outside forces beyond your control that influence your outcome.
You found your ‘WHY’ and set realistic goals, next what?
ACTION PLAN
A plan of action is like a google map that will guide you towards your goals and keep you on track.
Here are a few steps to help you create your own plan of action:
Are you looking to lose weight, build strength, improve flexibility, or everything under the sun? By defining your priorities, you can create a strategic plan that focuses on the areas you want to improve upon.
PROGRESS TRACKING
Check on the latest tools that help track your fitness journey.
By keeping track of your progress, you’ll be able to see your goals progression and celebrate your achievements along the way.
You can also track your measurements, such as your weight or muscle gain. By having concrete data to look back on, you’ll be able to see the progress you’ve made, even if it’s small. Break down your larger goals into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, set milestones such as completing a 5k, 10k, half-marathon, and so on. Each time you reach a milestone, celebrate your achievement and use it as motivation to keep pushing forward. Tracking your progress is beneficial in identifying areas for improvement. If you notice that you’re consistently struggling with a certain exercise or not seeing the progress you’d like, you can adjust your workouts or seek guidance from a fitness professional. By actively monitoring your progress, you’ll be able to make necessary changes to keep moving forward.
Use Visualization and Affirmations
Visualization and affirmations can be powerful tools for staying motivated in your fitness journey. Visualize yourself achieving your fitness goals and imagine how it will feel. Use affirmations to reinforce positive self-talk and help you stay motivated. For example, say “I am strong and capable” or “I am making progress every day” to boost your motivation.
Fitness with fun and frolic
Sustainability in fitness journey hinges on enjoyment. If your workouts become a chore, the likelihood of sticking to your routine dims away. Discovering activities you genuinely enjoy not only makes exercise more pleasant but also fosters a positive mindset.
Get a Workout Buddy
Embarking on a fitness journey doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor.
A workout buddy brings a multitude of benefits to your fitness routine. Beyond the companionship, having someone to share the journey with can increase motivation, enhance accountability, and even make challenging workouts more enjoyable.
The game changer is how to choose the right workout partner. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague, a compatible workout buddy can turn your fitness journey into a shared adventure.
Most important- Learn to self-care
During your fitness journey, it’s important to prioritize self-care. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for staying motivated and achieving your goals. Self-care involves treating yourself with kindness, compassion, and respect, and recognizing the importance of rest and relaxation. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t see immediate results or if you stumble along the way. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s important to focus on your own progress and growth.
Listen to your body and pay attention. Pay attention to its needs and give it the rest it deserves. Pushing yourself too hard without proper rest can lead to burnout and make it difficult to stay motivated. So make sure to incorporate rest days into your fitness routine and allow your body to recover. In addition to physical self-care, focus on your mental and emotional well-being. Take time for activities that help you relax and reduce stress, such as practicing mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Prioritize getting enough sleep and nourishing your body with healthy foods to support your overall well-being. Don’t forget to reward yourself for your hard work and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Treat yourself to favourite treat or break day with nature.
MINDSET
A positive mindset is a powerful ally on your fitness journey. We’ll discuss how celebrating small wins contributes to cultivating this mindset, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Embracing a positive outlook not only makes the journey more enjoyable but also enhances your ability to overcome obstacles.
Ultimately, the key to maintaining motivation is to focus on the journey itself, not just the end goal. Appreciate the small victories, savor the sense of accomplishment, and find joy in the process of becoming a healthier, stronger version of yourself.
What happens if you are right on fitness journey- Clothes start to fit better. That’s one thing I noticed; Throw away those baggy or ill-fitting clothes.
Don’t be afraid about what others think of you when you finally step out of your comfort zone and pass comments. Regardless of what you do, people will judge you at the gym, they will think you are doing an exercise with the wrong form or roll their eyes at your chosen weights. It’s human nature to compare yourself to others and egos are amplified at the gym.
What matters is taking those small steps towards wellness, putting the phone down when it’s time to sweat and finding a community to keep you going. Who knows, you might end up being the one who motivates others to get out of the house and exercise. Start working on your SMART GOALS Today!
Disclaimer- The views expressed in the blog is of the author. Please seek professional advice whenever required.