Exercise boosters: do what makes you happy
6. Exercise motivation booster: Get outside
Why not take advantage of nature and move your workout outdoors? Go for a long walk outside instead of on a treadmill. Hop on your bicycle and tour the neighbourhood instead of sitting on a stationary bike. Or even just take your free weights into the backyard and do your bicep curls under the trees.
7. Exercise motivation booster: Do what you love
Nobody said you have to join a gym to get exercise benefits. Enroll in a fun class and try out something new. Take up belly dancing, or give martial arts a whirl, or hop in the pool for some aquafit, or join a sports team. Participating in activities you enjoy takes the "work" out of workout.
8. Exercise motivation booster: Sign up for a class
If you'd rather have more formal fitness training in a class environment, check out the fitness classes (aerobics, kickboxing, spinning) at your gym. They combine the motivational group atmosphere with skilled instruction, and give you a chance to learn new ways to work out. Make sure you're realistic about your capabilities, though, and always consult with the class instructor beforehand if you're trying something new.
9. Exercise motivation booster: Change your tunes
Are you listening to music or watching TV while you work out? If not, give it a try. And, if you're already doing it, ensure that your music is upbeat, energetic and motivating to keep you moving. Distracting your mind with sound or visuals is a good way to avoid boredom, thereby increasing the duration of your activity... which ultimately improves results.
10. Exercise motivation booster: Chart your progress
If you can tangibly see yourself improving -- you can walk farther, lift more weight, do 10 more push-ups than you could two weeks ago -- you're more likely to keep moving forward. Setting and achieving goals is a fantastic motivator.
Whatever you choose to do, the key is to keep at it and keep it interesting for yourself and for your body.
Have you had your cardio today? Keep track of how much exercise you're getting with a printable chart.
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