Want to Exercise More?

Here are 8 Ways to help motivate yourself

Dr. Janai Okorodudu, Family Medicine at LBU

Get ready to swap those dance floor moves for some serious sweat sessions because the new year is here, and it's time to turn those resolutions into a reality! Say goodbye to the old, sluggish you and welcome in the new, pumped-up version that's just waiting to break free. Why? Because 2024 is not just another year; it's the year you become the superhero of your own fitness story.

Exercising regularly can be challenging for many people, but it's important for overall health and well-being. Here are a few ways to motivate yourself to exercise:

1. Set specific, measurable, and realistic goals for yourself. This could be as simple as committing to walking for 30 minutes a day, or as ambitious as training for a marathon.
2. Create a plan of action and stick to it. Write down the times and days of the week when you will exercise and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
3. Find an accountability partner. This could be a friend, family member, or personal trainer, who will keep you on track and provide encouragement.
4. Reward yourself for reaching your fitness goals. Give yourself a non-food reward such as buying yourself a new book, going to a movie, or treating yourself to a massage.
5. Track your progress. Keep a log of your workouts and measure your progress. Seeing how far you have come can help you stay motivated to continue.
6. Change it up: Doing the same workout can become monotonous and demotivating, try switching up your routine, or add new activity or sport to your schedule
7. Make it fun. Exercising doesn't have to be boring. Find activities that you enjoy and make it a fun experience. Listen to music, watch videos, or find a sport or hobby you like
8. Remind yourself of the benefits. Regular exercise can help improve overall health and well-being, which can lead to a better quality of life.

Remember, it's important to be kind and patient with yourself, and to remember that progress takes time. Don't get discouraged if you miss a workout or don't see results right away. The important thing is to keep moving forward. So, lace up those sneakers, throw on your favorite workout gear, and let's dive into the exhilarating adventure that awaits in the world of fitness.