5 Ways to Stay Motivated for your Workouts !

Most people start off with a "gung-ho" attitude towards their workouts and fitness regimen.  THEN it gets derailed.  WHY ? Most often people let life get in the way !
No matter how good your workout intentions are, it's all too easy for life to intrude and stomp all over your plans without a backward glance. But it doesn't have to be that way.  I've learned that the best way to ensure that your sweat sessions actually happen is to remove potential roadblocks ahead of time—in other words, make it so easy to exercise that working out becomes a foregone conclusion.

 

Schedule Your Workouts -

 

Let's be realistic: If your life is anywhere as busy as mine (and I bet it is), exercise just isn't going to happen unless you map out time for it. 

You need to  plan your workouts on Sunday evenings for the coming week. Here's the key: I always try to schedule an extra session so I if I do end up canceling one last-minute, I'm covered. Plus, I check to see what mornings I might be able to fit in a longer run and then if my evening session at the gym gets derailed - at least I know I have worked out earlier in the day !

Check the Weather - 

This becomes extremely important especially this time of year !

Nothing can derail a morning (or afternoon) workout faster than a few enthusiastic rain clouds. Log on to weather.com or wunderground.coBe sure to listen to your weather report the night before, then choose your activity accordingly. If there's a chance of rain (or snow or high winds or whatever), move the workout indoors to your gym or basement so you don't skip on an important workout !

 

Prep Your Stuff -

Each night, set out (or pack) both your workout clothes and any gear you need for the next day's workout, then set them somewhere you'll see them when you first wake up. Trust me - you will be happy you did when that alarm clock goes off in the morning !!

 

Hydrate First -

Before you head out on your morning run or workout - make sure you are properly hydrated.  The FIRST thing you should do when you get out of bed each day is drink at least half a bottle of water (kept by your bed).  You have just gone 6 - 8 hours with NO fluids....Yeah...your body kinda' needs it !!

 

Go to Bed on Time -

I get teased alot because I go to bed so early (9:30 - 10:00 p.m.) however I am up at 5:30 every morning !  I always feel refreshed and ready to tackle my day when I am well-rested. I see too many people with the 3 o'clock "yawns" due to crashing and energy loss. 

 

Be Flexible -

Like I said before, if you miss a workout or you don't feel well, give yourself a night/day off - BUY do a "makeup" date that you know will fill in for that missed day ! Be accountable to your self !

 

Keep a Workout Journal - it's fun to go back a year from now to see how far you've come !

 

Remember ! YOU and ONLY you are in control of your body !

 

Good Luck !