Exercise Motivation Tips

Exercise Tip 1: Have a Workout Buddy

Exercise with someone you like, whether it’s a mate, friend, or family member. Make a firm date, for example, going for a walk on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, or meeting for an aerobics class on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Exercise Tip 2: Do What You Enjoy

Pick something you enjoy. If you are an outdoor person try walking, running, or biking. If you are challenged and invigorated by competition, try racket sports, volleyball, or basketball. If you prefer something more meditative, consider yoga, tai chi, martial arts, or dance. Exercise videos are a great way to start.

Exercise Tip 3: Set Participation Goals

Set goals related to participation in your exercise program instead of outcomes such as weight loss. Here’s an example: I will work out three times a week at a convenient time (even if it’s 10 minutes of stair-climbing during my lunch break).

Exercise Tip 4: Know When to Back Off or Add a Challenge

Notice how you feel after working out. Did you feel challenged, satisfied, relaxed, or tired in a "good" way? These results will help you want to continue. If you are uncomfortable or in pain, whether it’s immediately after or the day after, ease off. Reduce the amount of time and the intensity of your workout. Remember, you want to enjoy exercising.

Stretching DVDOn the other hand, you may want to be a bit challenged by your workout. When you want, go a little longer or faster, or use more weight so you don’t get bored. You may even want to try a new class or get out the bike instead of your walking shoes.

Exercise Motivation Tip 5: Add Variety

The fastest way to become disillusioned with your workout is to do the same thing over and over again, plus your body becomes conditioned to the movements, so they become less effective. Use this workout tip to surprise your body with new and different challenges at least once every couple of weeks.

Another option is combine workouts. For example, add weights to your cardio routine (or vice versa), or try interval training to get the best of building aerobic capacity and strength.

Workouts to get you started:

Biceps Exercises
Triceps Exercises
Upper Body Exercises
Back Exercises
Butt Exercises
Leg Exercises
Walking
Yoga Exercises



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