Finding your “Why” and Motivation to Exercise
When it comes to health, fitness and exercise, starting isn’t the problem. With great intentions we join a new gym, take up a new sport, start a new class, a 5km running programme and after 4 weeks, we find ourselves not being able to stick with it. For many it’s a busy life with work, family and sometimes we have chosen an activity that we don’t enjoy, so adherence to it can be low. I truly believe in finding and knowing you ‘why’. So, how can we find our “Why” and what can we do to stay on track and motivated.
Here are some tips for you to prioritise your exercise.
1. Finding your why – knowing your ‘why’ is ‘crucial’, as it will spell the difference between simply being interested in something and being committed to it. Most people who train (including myself for many years) will tell you that motivation can be temporary whether you are an athlete or train just for fun, as the buzz can wear off. Once you know your “why” for doing your sport or activity you’ll be more disciplined to stick with it. A tip I came across, was to ask your “Why” five times. You want to start running. You want to lift weights. You want to lose weight and feel great. But why? Why is this goal important to you? Why does it matter?
| A good exercise is to insert your goal and your reason into the following sentence: I want to _______________ because _____________. For example, I want to lift weights because it will help me to get strong. Then, insert the reason into the first part of the sentence and repeat the process over and over again. I want to get strong because I want to have enough energy and strength to play with my kids. |
If you are able to find your ‘why’, something that truly resonates with you to the core, that has multiple layers and goes beyond an interest, you’ll reach your goals. Also, if the goal is tangible e.g. you feel and see yourself getting stronger, having more energy and feeling good in your clothes, then you will be much more successful at sticking with it.
2. Be realistic – don’t go all out at once e.g. committing to 5 weight sessions a week These are not attainable goals in the long-term. You might be great for one or two weeks and then find yourself slipping back. However, if you set yourself more realistic goals like starting with two weight sessions a week you’ll find yourself achieving this and then overtime you can build on these goals.
3. Plan and prioritise – ‘failing to plan, is planning to fail’ – it’s so important to plan your exercise and meals as best you can. Sitting down on a Sunday and planning the meals for the week and making sure the shopping is done, is a great start with making sure you’re eating well. With exercise set yourself a plan – write it down and place it somewhere visible. The sessions don’t have to be an hour long – 30-45 minutes is all you need to get a good workout. Try mixing the sessions up with strength and cardio. If you miss a session, don’t dwell on it and just start again tomorrow.
4. Schedule workouts – for your best time – don’t feel under pressure to work out early in the mornings. Yes, it suits some people but if you’re not a morning person that’s ok, if you know you’re tired come the evening, make sure you get it done before lunchtime or straight after work. The right time is what suits you best.
Remember, we all have dips and we can’t be great all of the time. What’s important is doing your best and aiming to prioritise your health, fitness and well-being.
‘If you do not make time for your wellness, you may be forced to make time for your illness’, Anonymous
Stronger Together Online Membership
My Stronger Together Programme focuses on strength based workouts which are split up over two mornings. There is an emphasis on mobility and cork work. We challenge all of the muscle groups and sometimes we hit a muscle a few times in the sessions, which really challenges the body. We take recovery breaks but not too much, as the emphasis is also on keeping the heart rate from moderate to high. I cater for all levels and look after everyone from beginners to advanced.
The sessions commence at 6.30am on both days and last approximately 45 minutes. They are all recorded and available to you on demand within an hour of the session if you can’t make the live. And you can access the on demand library whenever you wish. Plus, I provide bonus classes throughout the month, so you can access a pilates session, mobility and some HITT Sessions.
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As always, please contact me if you have any questions and you can get more inspiration and workout ideas on my Instagram.