How To Stay Motivated To Workout In The New Year!
Each year I write down my list of New Years Resolutions, which always include a weight loss or working out component of some sort.
Then every year, by then end of January 31st I’ve given up. This past year I decided enough was enough, and before the end of the year, I figured out how to stay motivated to workout in some fun ways.
Here’s my “How To Stay Motivated To Workout” ideas list I compiled.
Set Yourself a S.M.A.R.T Goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely).
This is so important to do as a first step, so you have something to work towards. One of the biggest things I find is that I have to write it down, so I have physical evidence of what it is! A great example of a smart goal is to lose 10 pounds in 6 weeks by eating healthy and working out 3-5 times a week (with a specific end date). This gives you a deadline and something to work towards.
Make It Competitive With Friends!
This is a great example of how to stay motivated to workout. If you are anything like me, you have a competitive edge. Just after our Canadian Thanksgiving, my core group of friends were not feeling like our best selves. We’d all gained weight post-summer, and needed a good kick in the butt to get going again. We decided to create a Weightloss Challenge with 6 of us. Each kicked in $20 bucks to our group “treasurer” and we did weekly weigh-in’s that were posted on a group chat, including one on the starting date. At the end of the 6 weeks, whoever had lost the biggest percentage of body weight won the money! A great component of this is hiding the scale for the week as well. Only weight yourself once a week to see your results, as it can fluctuate so much.
Compete Against Yourself!
Another way to stay motivated to workout is to compete against yourself by keeping track of your distance, number of reps or amount of weight you are lifting, and work to beat it! Pushing yourself to run further, faster is my favorite trick. I love kicking my own butt!
Pay Money And Keep Yourself Accountable:
Once I invest in something, I’m going to get my money’s worth no matter what. So pick – maybe you pay for a personal trainer who can teach you other tricks on how to stay motivated to work out, or maybe you take a fun Barre class once a week.
Make It Visual
I have a calendar at home that I cross off with a red felt pen every day I work out! I reward myself when I work out over 20 days a month with a new workout item. It sounds really bizarre but I LOVE new socks, so I buy myself a new pair of workout socks to help my feet stay cozy while I work hard! I also find it’s affordable, rather than buying a new pair of pants or shirts, for example.
Write It Down
I also like to write down what my goal weight is somewhere in my workout zone or where I will see it every day (on a mirror) so I’m reminded everyday of what I am working so hard towards.
Try Something New With A Friend
Have you ever wanted to try a new workout such as paddle boarding, rock-climbing, or get your groove on with Zumba, but have been to scared to try it? Why not use it as a reason to stay motivated to workout, and grab a buddy! Not only will it be something fun and new, but to experience it with a friend and make working out a social activity, not a solo one!
