Get Motivated!
Greetings! I’d like to write a few words on motivation before I add new pages to this section. I’m sure it is different for everyone, but sooner or later something trips up our regimen.
My Story
Some years ago, for me, it was some family/emotional crisis I went through. I just did not have the motivation to continue regular (oh, let’s be truthful: any) exercise for weeks. When I could make myself care about it I put in an hour or so once a week. I knew for the sake of my health and energy, that this situation couldn’t go on.
As time as gone on, I have found that motivation has been an increasingly important factor.
At one time I joined Curves to provide that extra impetus to remain focused on exercising for health. It was motivating for a time, but I still needed to follow the following steps to “get back on the bandwagon”.
…And here is the method I follow to get back on track.
Keep It Simple
1 First, dispose of all guilt. It simply is counter-productive and exercise is not one of the ten commandments. Yes, you are healthier and you feel stronger; you get those endomorphins surging, but that is something you do because you want to, and you are not a bad person if you haven’t worked out lately.
2 Next, start back slowly, realizing you won’t be doing as much, at the pace before your layoff. The good news, of course, is that because you were exercising, it will not be as long to regain stamina, strength, and shape, as when you first began.
Still, you shouldn’t go all out and short-circuit your newfound resolve. Achy or injured muscles tend to dampen enthusiasm for most of us. Build up your mind-set with a little positive thinking…
- “I’m worth it”…
- “my family will benefit from it…and they are worth it”
- “I will feel better, if I do this ” …whatever is your form of affirmation.
3 Finally, recognize that the ebb and flow of life means that you may get the flu, or have family matters that require lion shares of time, or any number of things that interfere with scheduled workouts. The resumption of workouts is part of the flow- you just have to decide that good health is non-negotiable and remember all the benefits of exercise.
The number of diseases exercise staves off or ameliorates is amazing. You will look better and function better, all with a few hours week spent in a simple work-out program. Not because I say so, but reams of medical research has come to this conclusion. (1)
When exercise is made a lifestyle habit, it helps such wide ranging problems as heart health to diabetes management to eye health.Â
Starting slow or with enthusiasm?
On to the rest of the fitness pages with determination to make your own life better. You will love the person you become if you take time to meditate on good things.
- Making a plan
- Getting rid of stress
- Fitness Index
If you schedule time to enjoy yourself and those around you, and if you build strength. In whatever ways and whatever amounts you are able!
