Winter posed no sense of urgency to keep fit because the idea of summertime, parties on the beach, shorts and swimming gear were so far from your mind amid the cold – especially under the layers of clothing. But summer is just about here. You know you need to start exercising, not just how, but how to get motivated?

First off, try and re-think your mind frame into a state of positivity. Exercising really can be fun and will make you feel much better throughout the day. With these great tips, you’ll have the motivation to start exercising again and start seeing results.

• Motivation

What motivates you? Why do you want to be fit? Remember that the idea of summer is not motivation enough; it will not see you through autumn. When questioning your motivation, you should think about exercise with the idea that it will better your lifestyle. A great example of motivation might be that you want to be fit because you want to live a healthy life and prevent illness. This will keep you going. However, sometimes we want a quick boost of motivation to get us going on the right track. Starting can be the hardest part and the biggest barrier. Remember motivation will grow as you get going, because your mind will remember the endorphins feeling after exercise. Starting is the biggest step, right?

• Make a plan

Be realistic. It is important to look at yourself with new eyes, with a refreshed approach so that you can give yourself realistic goals. Part of the plan will be setting your goals. Think of the time you have available. Maybe you prefer a day off when you know you’ve been flat out at work. Weekends are good for exercising because you have time to enjoy it and do something new, like getting outside with friends and family. Exercise shouldn’t always feel like a chore! Alternatively, do you have a gym membership or would park running be an option you’d prefer? In other words, once you have come up with the type of exercise you are most comfortable doing, then you can go ahead and start your daily routine, giving yourself a break over the weekends, for example.

• Food

Great fitness trainers will always tell you that your diet is more important than your exercise. You may see satisfactory results with exercise alone, especially weight-lifting mixed with cardio, but you will see better results and have more energy to exercise by incorporating a nutritionally balanced diet. This doesn’t mean you must run to your refrigerator now and throw away everything! What this does mean, however, is you should start becoming more conscious of what you eat and drink. Food should be seen as fuelling your day and exercise plan, so you want the highest quality fuel to get the best out of your workout. Just one change can have a huge impact on your life, such as replacing fizzy, sugar-drowned drinks with water instead. The benefits of water are enormously good for you, according to doctors worldwide.

• Make it fun

Exercise should be fun. But for many, it comes with a severe sense of dread. When you’ve come home from a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is exercise. But if you make the routine a fun one, then it won’t feel like work. You will want to do it. But how do you make it fun? Think of what you could incorporate in your gym routine to make it less of a heavy undertaking. Perhaps adding music to your workout may help. What if you include a bit of a dance routine between sets? At least, you should condition your mind that it is fun and something you want to do, not have to do.

• Find a mate

There is always strength in numbers. Having friend/s join you in exercise is not only encouraging, but it will also help keep things fun and interesting. Seeing your mates working out will inspire you to do the same. The motivation that comes from a friend will help you stand up and carry on with your routine. It’s sort of like having a personal trainer, but free. Your positive energy will bounce off each other and make the exercise sessions one for which you will both look forward to. It will help you stay focused, especially in the first month of your training when you need all the motivation you can muster. You could also join a bootcamp to keep you motivated!

These tips should help you get back on the horse again and you will start to feel the confidence these winter months have gradually taken away. You can start enjoying the summer and the beach parties, knowing that you accomplished your goal. Also, living a healthy lifestyle will always be a benefit for your body and your life in the long-run.

For more information about healthy living or for herbal supplements to help reduce sprains and inflammation when exercising, contact Zen Pain Relief on 1800 652 443.

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