10 Ways to Keep Motivated
No matter what fitness level you are at, motivation is key to success. When eating yet another chicken breast, waking up for another session on the elliptical or packing up for another weight training session, sometimes everyone needs a little more fire to stick to their plan or push themselves as hard as they can.
To keep motivated, particularly motivation to eat right or work out motivation, you need to find whatever it is that will light that spark inside you.
Here's a list on some of the things you can do to help you keep motivated and committed to your fitness plan.
1. Find a workout partner.
When you need to make a commitment to someone other than just yourself, you tend to be a little more accountability to your actions. Having a partner is a great idea to share in your successes and struggles while ensuring you stick to your plan.
2. Keep a workout journal
You can’t escape a workout journal as it tracks what you’ve done in the past. This allows you to try and improve upon all your successes and records from previous workouts. Shoot to lift more weight, more reps or longer sessions that are documented in your journal. This will help work out motivation during your sessions themselves.
3. Take before and after pictures
It’s difficult to see the results on a daily basis when they take months and even years to realize. Photos don’t lie and it’s a great way to see how far you’ve come.
4. Change your workout
This could include the exercises you do, your training volume, you surroundings, your partners, your split, etc. It’s not only good for your mind, but will likely have a very good impact on your results.
5. Reward yourself
Take a trip to show off your new figure. Buy that new outfit that shows off your hard work. Whatever you determine to be your reward allows you to see direct return on your effort.
6. Compete
Setting goals and objectives allow you to shoot for something specific. Competing in a fitness or figure competition or any other sporting event gives you something to strive for within a specific timeline.
7. Hire a personal trainer
Trainers are great to give you new perspectives, new workouts, new advice, new motivation and new surroundings. You don’t need to use one for an extensive time if you don’t need to, but they can provide motivation when you need it.
8. Do a photo shoot
It may be something you need to reach into your wallet to do, but hiring a professional photographer to do a fitness style or beach photo shoot is something that could motivate you to get into the best shape of your life. Maybe you can send those off to Oxygen or M&F Hers to start your new career.
9. Take in a fitness camp
Professionals like Monica Brant, Jen Hendershott and others host fitness camps of different levels on a regular basis. This camps can allow you to meet other women with similar goals, learn new techniques and give you an extra boost to meet your goals.
10. Switch gyms
New people, new equipment, new music, new environment and new facilities can always give you a new outlook on your workout. It will feel like you’re starting new, which is usually when you feel most motivated.