Finding Ways to Stay Motivated to Exercise

One of the hardest aspects of exercise for some people is staying motivated. Having spent more than a two decades of on and off again exercise routines, ranging from 20 minutes to 8 hours a week, and working in the fitness industry, I have learned some important ways to one motivate yourself to exercise and two, stick with a regular exercise routine.

1. You Will Not Regret Exercise

If you only read thing in this article, let it be "You will not regret it." There are a lot of activities we choose to do with our free time, after work and on weekends. Have you ever watched a TV show or a movie and felt robbed of the last two hours? Have you ever gone out for a very mediocre meal or an un-fun evening with friends? Any one of those situations or others could lead to moments of regret.

You will never, ever feel that way about time you spend exercising. I never saw anyone leave the gym regretting the last hour they spent on a treadmill, in the pool or sweating in a step aerobics class.

When I mention this to people, a light bulb usually goes on, as they think back to the last time they exercised, and they nod in agreement.

Remind yourself that exercising is not something you will regret doing with your time.

2. Getting to the Gym to Exercise is Half the Battle

You've put on your work out clothes and your sneakers, or they are in your car, and you walk into the gym. You're tired and it's been a long day. You just want to go home. But guess what? Half the battle is over. You made it to the gym, and while you're there you may as well exercise.

3. Remind Yourself that Regular Exercise Relieves Stress

We all experience some form of stress in our professional and personal lives. Exercise, in any form, is a great way to release stress and lighten your mind. At the very least, you will feel more calm at the end of a work out, even if you didn't start out that way.

4. Write Down Your Number One Reason for Exercising