How to Get Motivated to Exercise

If you want to get in shape but cannot seem to get motivated, you’re not alone. Whether you’re putting off exercise because you think you don’t have time or because it’s been so long that you think your body is a lost cause, here’s how to get motivated to exercise.

Instructions

1. Post a picture of your ideal body (keep it realistic to your body type) somewhere that you will see it every day. It could be a picture of an actress, bodybuilder or yourself when you were more active and in the best shape of your life.

2. Enroll in a class or join a gym. If you’re paying to exercise, the chances are better that you’ll follow through.

3. Organize a group of friends or family members who exercise together every week. If you make a commitment to other people, you’re more likely to follow through. You may also want to start a daily walk routine around the block with one or more of your neighbors.

4. Plan exercise activities that are fun and diverse, preferably outdoors with your group of friends or family members. Mix it up from week to week with adventurous activities you can look forward to such as hiking, swimming and canoeing.

5. Reward yourself after meeting your exercise goals for the week. Treat yourself to a movie or buy yourself a new pair of shoes (preferably for running). You may even want to make it a group activity rewarding you and your workout partners. Try to choose rewards that are not food-based.

6. Make sure your exercise goals are realistic. Set them too high and you’re setting yourself up for failure. Start out with smaller goals that you know you can achieve, then work your way up. It’s better to feel great about an accomplishment–no matter its size–than terrible about a big failure.

Tips & Warnings

• If after starting an exercise regimen you miss a workout here and there, let it go. Starting is the hardest part, so you’ve already won.

• If you don’t see dramatic changes in your body right away, concentrate on the experience of your exercise, not the result. That’s why it’s ideal to choose exercises that are fun and adventurous with family and friends.