Getting Healthy: Keep Your Motivation

If you were one of the millions of Americans to start an exercise or diet program during the New Year, don’t lose your momentum now. The first few weeks were easy – it was new and you were motivated. Then the next couple weeks got a little harder and now it the time […]

April 5, 2009; 2:06 PM • by Rebekah Fedrowitz

If you were one of the millions of Americans to start an exercise or diet program during the New Year, don’t lose your momentum now. The first few weeks were easy – it was new and you were motivated. Then the next couple weeks got a little harder and now it the time when you may be considering whether this is all worth it. So what can you do to stay encouraged and stick with your program? Here are a few tips you can use to get one step closer to reaching your goal.

1. Find a workout buddy.
If you’re working out alone, it is much easier to slack by cutting your workout short or just skipping it all together. Recruit a friend to join you in your endeavors. Set a time to meet and hold each other accountable!

2. Take a class or have a personal training session
A great way to mix things up is to attend a new class or hire a personal trainer for a couple sessions. This will give you new ideas and challenge your body in new ways so you achieve optimum results.

3. Reevaluate your goals
Often times, when we initially set our goals, we’re a little unrealistic due to our new found excitement and determination. In the end, that only leaves us discouraged when we aren’t coming close to making the progress we want. Now that you’ve had a chance to see how your program is working, consider your goals again and see if your program or your goals need some adjusting.

4. Add some flavor
Just because you’re on a diet doesn’t mean you can’t have any flavor in your food. Each week, find at least one new recipe that still fits into your diet but spices things up a bit.

5. Treat yourself
After completing a week of exercising and eating right, find a healthy way to treat yourself, like a manicure, a new outfit or a night out with friends.

6. Believe in yourself
The most important piece of advice you can get is to believe in yourself. You can achieve your goals so stick with it!

April 5, 2009 2:06 PM 0