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When it comes to fitness, the decision to start is not always hard. It's finding the motivation to continue after that first week or even the first day that becomes a struggle. While everyone has different motivation factors and reasons for starting in the first place, there are a few basics that can help you start your goal and achieve it.
1. Set An Achievable Goal
Goals are going to be the most important factor to keeping and maintaining your enthusiasm for working out. Without a goal, going to the gym becomes pointless. That is why setting a tangible and realistic goal is important. Let's look at a couple bad goals first.
Bad Workout Goals
- "I want to get in shape"
- "I want to get jacked"
- "I want a bigger booty"
As you can see these goals don't define anything and aren't really tangible. You also can't track them so you won't even know when you have achieved them. Here are some examples of good goals.
Good Workout Goals
- "I want to lose 20 pounds"
- "I want to be able to do 50 pushups in a row"
- "I want to be able to bench press 225 pounds"
These goals are more specific, tangible and realistic. By setting these goals, we have a set number in our head that we need to reach.
2. Find A Good Workout Partner
A good workout partner will not only motivate you but encourage you to do better at the gym. Having someone else that depends on you will also put any procrastinating thoughts out of your head.
It is recommended that you find someone on the same experience level as you. Someone who is more advanced can discourage you and actually de-motivate your workout habits.
3. Reward Yourself
Rewarding yourself is a good way to always get yourself into the gym. Whether it's a new episode of your favorite show, or a favorite snack, set a reward for when you are done is a good way to trick your mind into looking forward to the workout.
This tactic only works if you set strict rules and allow yourself to indulge in your reward only after your workout is complete.
For example, when dieting I strategically place my favorite meal of the day for after my workout to give myself a good morale boost for after my workout.
4. Don't Allow Yourself To Sit Down Before Your Workout
Most people I know, including myself, work out directly after they get out of work. However, when I take a trip home before the gym, I'll find myself sitting on the couch in front of the TV before long. All prior motivation will be completely gone and I won't want to hit the gym.
Don't give yourself the chance to procrastinate and get into the gym immediately.
5. Find A Good Workout Environment For Yourself
A huge turn off for most new gym goers is not having a gym that makes them feel welcome or amped about being there. I've found that this is 90% of the reason why people don't want to go to the gym is because they feel intimidated, especially when just starting out.
If you can't find a good one, start out at home by finding some easy exercises that you can do from home to get yourself started. This will build up your confidence until you are ready to move on to a more commercial gym.
