Great! You Did It! Now Keep Going.
For many of you reading this, you probably finished your 8-week OTF Transformation Challenge. Embarking on a fitness journey is exhilarating, but staying motivated throughout the ups and downs can be challenging. Whether you're aiming to burn fat, build muscle, or simply lead a healthier lifestyle, maintaining motivation is key to reaching your goals. Let’s talk about different ways that you can stay motivated!
Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Define specific, measurable goals that align with your fitness aspirations. Break them down into smaller milestones to celebrate along the way. While we look at the big picture, that’s always a great starting point. Maybe you have a goal for the end of the year? How about the 6- month mark? Maybe you can break it down a little lower to the monthly or even WEEKLY goals and milestones! This approach provides a clear roadmap and boosts your confidence as you progress.
Find Your Why: This is a big discussion in fitness. Dig deep to uncover your intrinsic motivations for pursuing fitness. Whether it's improving health, boosting self-confidence, or setting a positive example for loved ones, connecting with your underlying reasons strengthens your commitment when challenges arise. And even think deeper than the sentence you start with. Not just the “why” but how you’ll feel once you start working on your goal. How you’ll feel once you start working on it, and maintain that feeling.
Mix Up Your Routine: Combat boredom and plateaus by diversifying your workouts. Do you always do Orange 60? Is it a 2G? Have you tried a 3G? Tread 50? Strength 50? Or maybe you need to switch out a day in the orange for a yoga class online. Sometimes switching a day to something active that you love doing will help! OR don’t even replace your day! Just throw something between the days you’ve already built! If you’re a Monday, Wednesday, Friday person, for instance, don’t change your working schedule, but maybe throw in an outdoor run on a Tuesday or Yoga on a Thursday!
Buddy Up: Enlist a workout buddy or join a fitness community to share the journey with like-minded individuals. Having a support system not only makes exercise more enjoyable but also holds you accountable and provides encouragement during tough times. There are many places to look! If you’re part of a class, spark conversation with people at your gym! There are tons of communities on Reddit, MyFitnessPal, and MeetUp may have some interesting events in your area full of fitness fanatics like yourself!
Track Your Progress: Keep tabs on your achievements, whether it's through a fitness app, journal, or visual aids like progress photos. Seeing tangible evidence of your growth fuels motivation and reminds you of how far you've come, even on challenging days. Sign up for those benchmarks or challenges that help you see your milestone achievements in real time!
Reward Yourself: Treat yourself to rewards when you reach milestones or consistently stick to your fitness regimen. Whether it's a new workout outfit, a massage, or a weekend getaway, acknowledging your hard work with rewards reinforces positive behavior.
Establish a Routine: Cultivate consistency by incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Schedule workouts like appointments, making them non-negotiable commitments. Over time, this habit-forming approach transforms exercise into a natural part of your lifestyle.
Focus on Enjoyment: Find activities you genuinely enjoy and look forward to. Whether it's dancing, hiking, or playing a sport, exercising shouldn't feel like a chore. When you have fun, staying motivated becomes effortless, and you're more likely to stick with it long-term. And even your strength training will feel like training for your next activity!
Practice Self-Compassion: Embrace setbacks and imperfections with kindness rather than self-criticism. Understand that progress isn't linear, and occasional slip-ups are part of the journey. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend, regaining momentum with renewed determination.
Visualize Success: Harness the power of visualization by imagining yourself achieving your fitness goals. Create a mental image of your desired outcome, focusing on how it feels, looks, and impacts your life. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve created a collage of images or race registration sheets to constantly look at while you work toward them. Visualization primes your mind for success, making your fitness aspirations feel more attainable.
Staying motivated in your fitness journey requires dedication, perseverance, and a touch of creativity. By implementing these ten strategies and using your fitness coaches and personal trainers, you can cultivate a resilient mindset, overcome obstacles, and stay on track to achieve your health and fitness goals. Remember, the journey may have its challenges, but the rewards of a healthier, stronger you are well worth the effort. Keep pushing forward, and embrace the transformative power of your fitness journey!
