Jamie Mendiola
In a time where productivity is encouraged, it’s become more tempting to do nothing.
We all have been in that phase. Days have passed without notice, and the list of excuses to skip working out has become long. Before you know it, you have forgotten your New Year’s resolution of getting fit.
So, you decide to try again this week. Or maybe you’ll settle for next month. Hyping yourself up for an exercise session can take many tries, but maintaining that routine is the real challenge. The big question is, how do you take on that challenge? Here are some tips to remember on how to start working out, and how to keep it that way.
Put your workout equipment where you can see them.
After a workout session, the usual habit is to put your equipment away. Maybe you store it in a neat cabinet or push it under your bed. However, this can affect your motivation level for the next session.
Hiding your equipment away can lead to laziness and dread. Why? It’s because the amount of effort put into preparations can discourage you from working out. To dispel those negative feelings, put your equipment where you can see them. For example, put your pair of sneakers below your desk or keep the yoga mat in the living room. Eventually, you’ll have the mindset of “It’s already there, might as well use it.” It’s a neat, practical method of self-motivation.
Set a daily reminder.
Maintaining a workout routine needs time. Try to dedicate a specific hour of the day to your fitness and health. Many people do it first thing in the morning. Some go for a jog after office hours, while others lift weights before going to sleep. It all depends on what you want and what you can do at the moment.
While the typical recommendation is to exercise for an hour, you can change it up if it feels too much. Even if it’s just half an hour, 20 minutes, or 10, it’s okay. After all, a little bit of exercise is better than nothing. Scribble it down on a sticky note or set the alarm on your phone. With these tips, you’ll be able to commit to your fitness goal easily.
Find a workout buddy.
Working out alone can sometimes dampen one’s mood. While some prefer to work out by themselves, others feel less motivated to exercise when left alone. Find someone else to work out with you. Ask within your circle of friends and family members and do a workout together via Zoom. There are also specific communities and groups that offer online fitness classes for groups. You can look for Zumba classes online, or even group meditation classes.
As the famous quote goes, “teamwork makes the dream work.” It’s more motivating when a group of people works together. It’s like surrounding yourself with positive energy. Plus, you can gain new friends along the way!
