How to Get Motivated to Start Exercising

We all know that we have to exercise to get and stay healthy. You cannot deny it--it isn't theory, but fact. Everywhere you look, from television and magazines to friends who seem to always be doing regular exercise and look great as a result. You may wonder about the psychology behind that motivation. Learn a few tips to help you stay motivated to maintain a healthy body.

Instructions

1. Tape up motivation pictures of yourself where you will see them every day. Add sayings and goals to your pictures as reminders of the promise you make yourself--to exercise regularly.

2. Get psychologically ready to exercise with positive affirmations. Tell yourself that you are an active person, one who enjoys exercise. Praise yourself when you do your exercises for increased motivation. Self-talk should always be positive and not negative.

3. Make yourself accountable to another person. Whether you join a team or just partner up with a neighbor to walk, when you don't feel like going out, you will have others counting on you. It should give you that extra push you need.

4. Set a goal. Pick a local running event that you have to train for, or choose a hiking trail that you'd like to conquer. If you are easing yourself into the activity and training for a specific goal, it can be easier on the days when you are not motivated.

5. Choose exercise that you enjoy. Try dancing or tennis. Biking can be very easy on the bones and become an enjoyable reprieve. Looking forward to your activity will help you think of it more as fun rather than exercise.

6. Pay yourself with rewards. Add a dollar to a special jar every time you exercise. Save it up for a new outfit, a prized piece of art or an exciting vacation.