20 Get Moving Motivators
By Garrett J. Braunreiter, CSCS, The Energy Coach
Studies have shown that carrying groceries, doing yardwork,
and cleaning your house counts as physical activity. So, while you're
not exercising per se, you're at least giving your body some physical
benefits.
But still you know that this kind of activity isn't going
to guarantee a flatter stomach, greater strength, and a longevity boost.
So how do find time and energy reach your fitness goals? Here are every-day
tips for your exercise inspiration....
1. Take a picture of yourself and have
it "morphed" at a photo shop. Wanna see how you look 10, 20,
30 pounds lighter? Have the picture people edit the picture in the image
you like, then take home copies of it and hang them everywhere you can
see it. Harness the power of visualization.
2. Keep a stack of your favorite magazines
that you promise yourself you can read only at the gym. If the issues
start piling up, you know it's time to schedule a workout.
3. Did you know that NOT exercising AT
ALL is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes A DAY? (Fear is a
good motivator for some.)
4. Your dog. If you want your pooch to
enjoy a longer, healthier life, s/he needs to get moving, too. You'll
find as both of you get fit, s/he is more enthusiastic, and will give
you a challenging workout. If not, YOU give him/her a challenging workout.
5. Work out with your spouse/life partner.
Not only does it get both of you healthy and strong, but can also spice
up your romantic life.
6. Erase YEARS off your body. Chronologically
you may be 40, but with regular, vigorous exercise and healthy nutrition,
people are going to do a double-take and think you're in your mid-30's.
Imagine how awesome you'll feel, when you not only feel younger, but
to OTHER people you look younger. Act younger, too.
7. Begin an accomplishments journal. At
the end of each day, write down what you've accomplished that day to
move you closer toward your fitness and/or life goals. DO NOT WRITE
DOWN WHAT YOU HAVEN'T ACCOMPLISHED. That doesn't matter. What matters
is what you ARE doing; we all need a long-overdue, well-deserved pat
on the back on a regular basis.
8. Use the TV. Here's the catch: work
out only when your favorite show is on. Or, record your favorite show
and work out during that (but don't fast forward through commercials
- unless you have consecutive episodes taped). Can help time to fly
by faster.
9. Hire a personal trainer or coach. If
you're having extreme difficulty with motivation, hire a professional
to get you to reorganize your life to make taking care of yourself a
top priority (which it should be). A good coach or trainer will teach
you how to help YOURSELF, without you having to hold someone else's
hand, and help you realize that YOU have the power and ability to do
this on your own.
10. Split your workouts. Some recent studies
are showing that a split workout can burn more calories than one full
workout. So if time's an issue (gee, there's a thought) try getting
up 30 minutes earlier in the morning for a short-burst 15 minute workout,
then steal another 15-20 minutes at lunch or in the evening.
11. Use your daily planner. You have important
commitments scheduled into your planner, right? Volunteer work, doctor
appointments, children's activities, etc. Where's EXERCISE??? It's as
important a commitment (if not more) than your other activities. Quick
tip: mark "EXERCISE" in your planner with a bright colored
marker, so it stands out as a reminder to get your butt in gear.
12. Listen to audio books while you exercise.
Self-improvement and motivation books are GREAT here. You'll feel twice
as productive, and highly energized, and the time will fly.
13. Reward yourself. It never ceases to
amaze me how hard we are on ourselves when we don't accomplish, and
how hard we are on ourselves when we DO accomplish. Whenever you reach
a milestone, have something in mind, like a trip to the day spa, new
shoes or clothes (as long as it's NON-EDIBLE).
14. Have kids? Look at their pictures
to remind you that you want to be around to share life with them, with
plenty of energy. You don't want your 10-year old to be throwing you
around the house, do you?
15. Want to keep fitting into your favorite
jeans? You know, the ones that fit you nicely several years ago? Keep
them. Keep trying them on to keep yourself in check to keep eating right
and exercising.
16. Keep a journal of how you feel after
exercise. Especially the great workouts. On the days you just don't
feel like exercising, look back on the good workout days for some inspiration.
17. See exercise as a stress-releaser.
A simple shift in attitude can do wonders for your stress levels. If
you've had a long, hard day at work, exercise is something to LOOK FORWARD
TO to relieve your stress and revive yourself.
18. Check out the e-mail, chat, or discussion
groups on the Internet that deal with fitness, weight loss, diet, exercise,
etc.
19. Have young kids? Use the day care
at the gym - so there's no excuse about who's going to watch the kids.
Or, have a family member(s) or a friend watch them. So there REALLY
is no excuse for not working out.
20. Look in the mirror. Sometimes that
is all you need to trigger you into the lean, fit, and energized mode.
This article was provided by
GHF.
Click
here to visit their site for customized exercise and nutrition programs,
hundreds of exercise instructions and video demo's, a free fitness analysis,
and much more. Members now receive FREE fitness tracking software and
unlimited fitness consulting from 34 fitness, medical, and nutrition
experts!
