Fitness Motivation: Tips That Actually Work!

If you all are anything like me, you have most likely tried to "get fit" several times over the past years since high school. In the past 5 or 6 years I have started (and FAILED) many different fad diets and have burnt myself out working out. In January, I decided to commit to living a healthier lifestyle. I felt that as a future PA, I couldn't be giving my patients advice about finding time to workout and make a conscious effort to eat better if I couldn't do the same thing. Since beginning my healthy lifestyle journey, I have lost 20 pounds, sleep better at night, and have embraced a renewed self confidence that had been lacking for several years.

HOW did I motivate myself to continue the lifestyle change when I had failed so miserably in the past? What are some things that made a difference THIS TIME?

1. FIND A WORKOUT BUDDY (or BUDDIES)

Sometimes you need someone to keep you accountable. Lord knows that I do! I can't imagine having made this journey without the help of MULTIPLE people. I have a running buddy from class, workout with my roommate, and talk workout plans with my sister. Having multiple people gives you variety, but it also guarantees that you will have someone keeping you accountable if you need it! In the past, I worked out with the same person day in and day out. Every time, we would eventually get too busy to workout and I would STOP working out completely. Having the support and encouragement of multiple people (and me keeping them accountable too) has been a GAME CHANGER. 

2. "TREAT YO SELF"

This is one of my most favorite motivators. Set goals and treat yourself when you achieve them. I have month markers. After successfully completing my first month of working out I bought new tennis shoes. After month two I bought a pair of yoga pants. After month three I allowed myself $100 to buy new workout clothes. Now, I treat myself in three month intervals, but the goal is still the same. You have worked hard. You are maintaining a lifestyle that is making you a healthier person. TREAT YOURSELF! This was a new concept to me. In the past, I would always reward myself with extra "cheat days" or "off days" that would tease me back into my previous lifestyle. Picking fitness oriented purchases I WANTED kept my eye on the prize, but didn't allow me to fall out of my healthy lifestyle habit. 

P.S.

I in NO WAY mean to cut out "cheat days" or "rest days." I'm just saying that giving myself extra days provided me an excuse to fall back into my old ways. I currently workout between 4-5 days a week and I always eat a fun, satisfying calorie ridden, "UNHEALTHY" meal one day of the week. 

3. WORKOUT WITHOUT HEADPHONES & MUSIC

In the past, I've always worked out with music. I couldn't imagine going to the gym without the security of music blasting in my ears to PUMP ME UP. However, this time I decided to ditch the music. Maybe it is because I live in Houston, TX and was afraid of getting hit by a car on one of my runs, but I made the change. The first month was horrific. I constantly battled my brain telling me that I couldn't. I had to PROVE my brain wrong. My body is a powerful machine designed by the most powerful creator, it has been designed to endure. Overcoming my brain was the MOST IMPORTANT THING I DID. Now in a workout, my brain and body are in sync. I am confident that I can complete a workout and feel accomplished when it is finished. The extra time also gives my brain a rest from the constant stimulation we are under in our social media driven, fast paced world. It's time for me.

4. EAT CHOCOLATE (if needed)

GO BUY YOURSELF THE FUN SIZED CANDY BARS. In the beginning, you will have a sweet tooth and it will eat at you until you satisfy it. In the past, I always ignored the craving until one day I sat down and ate an entire sheet cake. This time, I decided to keep a small amount of chocolate in the house. In the beginning, I would eat one almost daily. As time has progressed, I have desired fewer and fewer candy bars. I am also proud to say, I haven't consumed an entire sheet cake during this lifestyle change. 

5. BUILD IN FITNESS TESTS

If you are like me, you like to see results. In the beginning, I didn't see body results as quick as I wanted because I literally was starting at ground 0 workout wise. In fact, my first month of working out consisted mostly of speed walking on the treadmill with various jogging intervals. As month two approached, I knew I had to build something into my workouts that would show my fitness level increasing. 

Thankfully, Pinterest came to the rescue and provided me with a workout that could be modified and made into a fitness test. This workout came from Blonde Ponytail. The site has GREAT workouts and fitness advice and I have personally found it to be very helpful. 

The first time I did this workout, I was only able to complete one cycle. At this moment, I decided to start doing this workout every two weeks to see how I was progressing. At month three, I was able to complete all six rounds. Even though I still wasn't seeing the full weight loss results I wanted, I could measure how my body was changing and growing stronger. This became one of my most powerful motivators. Knowing that I was becoming more fit as the weeks progressed was a huge proponent of me continuing!  

I hope that ya'll gain some motivation from this post! I know that these five changes have made such a difference in the way I view fitness and my healthy new lifestyle. I AM THRILLED that I have been able to continue and maintain my changes over the past five (almost six) months! I wish ya'll all the BEST in your healthy lifestyle endeavors!!