Working out is one way to feel better about yourself and improve your health. But before you start a new workout routine, getting discouraged with the long list of goals and “shoulds” you have for yourself can be easy. This is normal; everyone feels the same way at some point in time. A good workout routine needs some motivation to get started, so in this article, I’ll share five tips to keep you motivated when starting a new workout.
1. Change Your Mindset
Engaging in positive self-talk will get you in the mood to work out. But it’s important to note that it’s not what you say but how you say it. It’s all about the tone. For example, complaining about how hard your workout is and how much you hate running around the block will make your activity seem miserable, and this mindset can be carried into future workouts. Keep positive, and say positive things about what you are doing. A positive mindset will help motivate you to work out and make it more enjoyable.
2) Establish Short-term and Long-term Goals When Beginning a New Routine
Starting a workout routine can be scary, and allowing yourself some peace of mind is essential before beginning. What’s more, you may find that your current routine isn’t working out how you want it to. When beginning a new workout routine, have some over-arching goals for yourself. Goals help you stay motivated by providing a challenge that keeps you going. You can think of goals as milestones on a long journey, and goals motivate you to continue every day.
A short-term goal should be something that you can reach within a month or two. This goal should be specific and measurable. For example, run 1 mile in under 7 minutes or 10 miles in 1 week. A long-term goal should be something that can take you a few months to reach. These are usually things that will require some time and dedication. Example: Run a half marathon in 6 months, be in better shape, become more toned, or beat a personal record in a marathon. You will want to focus on these long-term goals when starting a new workout routine since these are the results you want to achieve.
3. Plan Your Workout Routine in Advance
The most common mistake people make when starting a new workout routine is to go out running or biking and not plan anything. This can be a big mistake since it may take some time to see any results. Planning your workout routine ahead of time will save you stress and energy. You’ll also be able to create tailor-made workouts for your needs and flexibility. When writing workouts down, it is essential to stay flexible and creative. Pre-workout is the time to plan moves you feel comfortable doing, but it’s essential to have a backup plan. Even the most experienced lifters occasionally encounter an injury or lack of motivation for that day, so a backup plan is essential.
4. Find a Workout Partner
Working out with a partner can allow you to keep each other accountable, and it’s an easy way to motivate one another. In addition, a workout buddy can help you focus, as if you had a trainer leading the way. You can work out with someone at the gym or perhaps a friend in your community who is up for joining you on some outdoor adventures. Exercise is fun when done with someone else because it is social, and you’ll be able to share stories about your day afterward. You can help motivate each other to achieve new goals, and a workout partner can help keep you going when the going gets tough.
5. Listen To Music That Inspires You
Music is one of the universal ways that people find motivation. Some people listen to motivational speeches or books, while others like listening to music with inspiring lyrics. If music is your thing, then listen to tracks that inspire you and make you want to get motivated forever. Make a playlist for yourself and listen to this whenever you work out. You can also play some of these tracks at the gym or while running outdoors. Music increases your endurance and improves your workout performance, so it is always a good idea.
Conclusion
A new workout routine can be an exciting but overwhelming thing. Getting started can be a challenge, but the best thing you can do is set yourself up for success. Start small and plan goals that are measured and achievable. Use these tips to keep yourself motivated and inspired. Always track your progress, and stay positive.