Lacking Motivation?  You are not alone!  Here are my top 5 tips on how to stay motivated when starting, or continuing, your fitness program.

 #1 SCHEDULE IT!  You do not need motivation when you schedule your workout sessions.  Schedule it in your calendar just like a doctor’s appointment and just show up!  Once you begin your workout, whether it’s a walk or run, a video or a class, the energy will find you and you will feel 100% better when you are finished. 

 #2 MIX IT UP!  Bored with your current routine? Switch gears and try something new – if you are working out at home take it outside for a change of scenery.  If you are walking go to a different destination, or call a friend to join you.  If you only do cardio try strength training, or vise versa.  Buy a new piece of equipment for your workouts at home (TRX, Bands, Gliders, Medicine Balls) or update your workout space with some new décor.  Routine can be boring

 #3 REWARD YOURSELF!  Set a goal and reward yourself with a prize once you reach it.  Instead of making it about weight loss, try committing to exercising 4x a week for two weeks straight, and reward yourself with a new workout outfit.  Or focus on getting adequate water consumption for 7 days and splurge on a new sports bottle.  Try one new fitness activity a week for a month, and gift yourself with or a trip to the spa for a little indulgence!  Appreciate learning and doing something new, and approach it as an adventure, not a chore.

 #4 BEGIN YOUR DAY WITH POSITIVE ENERGY!  I love podcasts and listen to them often.  When I start to feel negative I turn one on while I am getting ready for the day, or while I am in the car.  I love The Chalene Show , The Daily Shine & Daily Quote on Spotify.  I also tune into positive people on social media, and keep motivating quotes around my desk and in my bedroom to help push me forward.

 #5 JOIN A CHALLENGE!  We recently purchased a Peloton, and it was delivered late November.  Knowing we were heading into a busy month, I joined their December Challenge ensure I kept riding.  And I did!  Even when I didn’t want to.  YouTube has a variety of challenges as well, like this one from Mr & Mrs Muscle, short 10 minute video’s to do every day for a month.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gO3TNnLyyE&t=6s  MadFit had a January Challenge that has all of the video’s linked in the bio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRvLn-A_2dM&list=PLN99XDk2SYr63TcAMIkiBl3hnfa8GXR4l

Melissa Bender also had a January Challenge for intermediate fitness enthusiasts  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjtDE5bUohhnH6NTLTK3eDk-e0ot-9Ss6

Or create a challenge with friends and commit to a specific activity for a length of time, and be sure to check in with each other to stay on track. 

 Try any of the above to ensure you keep your fitness and health a top priority, you will be surprised at how well they work!