Spring into Spring!
Spring has finally arrived. The blossoms are starting to bloom, the sun is shining more often and the days are slowly getting longer.
But are you struggling to find the motivation to exercise after hibernating through winter? Here’s a few simple steps to get you going and help maintain focus throughout the rest of Spring and through Summer.
Enlist a buddy Whether you’re heading to the gym, or just to your local park for a morning workout, making plans with a friend to meet you there will increase your motivation and help you stay committed. You are far less likely to keep hitting snooze if you know your friend is awake already and waiting for you.
Or what about a furry friend? If you have a dog, taking them out for a daily walk will help you stay fit and healthy throughout the year.
It’s a state of mind So you’ve set the alarm and you wake up… just to turn it off. You tell yourself that you didn’t get enough sleep, and that the next 40 minutes will help you in the long run. If your brain is awake enough to turn off the alarm and convince you to go back to sleep, then your body is awake enough to get up.
Just do it The easiest way to ensure you meet that morning workout head-on is to organise your clothes the night before. As soon as your alarm goes off, simply put your feet to the floor and get out of bed. Your clothes are organised and you’re up and ready to get straight to it!
Change it up Just like our food tastes, our fitness inclinations change all the time. It is important to listen to what your body needs. If you like running, then by all means go for a run a few times a week, but if you’re struggling to find motivation, the easiest way to maintain a routine is to change it up. Variety is, after all, the spice of life. Maybe one day do a boxing class, then some yoga (even if it’s at home). By keeping your fitness routine varied, you never run the risk of becoming bored or demotivated.
Make playlists There’s nothing like a seriously good song to pump up your motivation. Use your favourite streaming programs, or load up your phone with playlists that are guaranteed to make you sweat or just make you want to get started with your new routine.
You can create playlists that relate to each exercise you like to do – high tempo for running, slow and relaxing for yoga, or uplifting and smile-inducing for pilates or other strengthening exercises.
It’s all about you, so whatever you think will give you the greatest outcome, go for it!