Too Busy To Exercise?

After a long hiatus, Recharge is back on the tracks! (pun intended). We've all heard of people coming up with reasons on why they are unable to exercise regularly or even once in a week. Well, truth to be told, it's really all up in the head - your mindset. Which brings us to today's topic: How do you motivate yourself to exercise?

 

Need a run to work?

Exercising should be as important as self-grooming. We groom ourselves every day (and maybe every night as well) to look presentable; to look our best. Exercising on the other hand, makes us feel great inside out and makes us look better as well. So, shouldn't exercising and grooming be placed side by side?

Due to packed, busy schedules that we all have in this day and time, it is not uncommon for some of us to "let go" of exercising. After time, this becomes a habit and we all know, to start back on something from where we've left off is quite an arduous task. The commitment, discipline and effort.

So here comes the big question (again): How do you motivate yourself to exercise?

1. Set one easy, specific, measurable goal. Set a goal that is very easy to achieve. E.g. Five minutes of exercise a day, or 5 push ups a day. Then slowly increase the number every week. The easier the goal, the easier it is to get started and the easier it'll be to build your habit and to gradually increase.
   
   Also, be specific. What kind of exercise? Where? At what time? Make it an important appointment that you can't miss.
   
   Stick to this goal for one month, or two months if you can. Start a second goal ONLY after you've achieved the first goal. Most importantly, write it down, post it up, look at it every single day. Preferably before you sleep and right after you wake up in the morning. Not writing it down means it's not important to you. Seeing is believing.



2. Keep track of your progress. It's best if you have an exercise diary. After every workout, make it a point to pen down in specific detail on what exercises you've done for that day. Date, time, and what you did. This will serve as a motivation to keep going and to reach your goal!



3. Visualise how you're going to look. We all want a perfect body, depending on your own definition of a perfect body. Just make sure "fit and healthy" is part of your definition.



4. How you'll feel after workout. Working out gives us so much benefits, including our emotional well-being! That euphoria and sense of accomplishment that you feel after every "tough" work-out. Let that push you on! You know you want to feel great and confident!



5. Success stories and pictures. You know pictures, articles and videos of fit men and women being shared all over facebook and the internet? Let those inspire you, and make sure you succeed.



6. Your before picture. This, is important. This should probably be the first thing that you should do. We can rarely see the changes in us because we see ourselves in the mirror every single day. There's no such thing as an overnight change. It'll take time, and a picture can show you how you've progressed over time. Sharper chin, no flabs, toned arms, toned legs, flat tummy, etc. Take a new picture weekly.



7. Someone to report to. Get someone to report your progress to. This will give you a sense of responsibility over your own progress and to show someone the progress you've made. If you have trouble finding someone, don't worry! Iuventus Aeterna provides free consultations and follow ups! We can even help you to keep track of your progress.

These tips will only work when you make the effort to set aside quality time for yourself. Quality time to make yourself look good. No matter how busy you are, remember that your job won't be able to save your life. Your health will.