4 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Get in Shape
Whether you need to lose a few pounds, a lot of pounds, or just want to tone up, this post will give you a few unique ideas on how to get motivated to get in shape and reach your fitness goals! If you have kids, get them involved, too! This post on How to Train for a 5K as a Family will help with that.
Now, let’s get to the motivation. What makes you move?
Use Money!
Some people are money motivated. I happen to be one of those people, so I had to get creative when talking myself into a workout. Sites like GymPact and DietBet get my tush moving faster than anything else! It’s a competition, which I love, and it makes me money when I win!
Buy fitness classes on Groupon. When there’s an expiration date, you’re forced to either waste the money or attend the class. Most of the time, I attend the class. If not, I totally kick myself later!
Get Outside!
Even if you aren’t usually the outdoorsy type, getting outside is super motivating! Once you’re outside, you’ve already gotten dressed (well, hopefully…), and used energy to move – so why not work out while you’re at it? The fun part about doing exercise outdoors is that it doesn’t have to feel like working out! You can walk, jog, hike, jump rope, or even ride your bike. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for something fun like rollerblading or even skiing!
Treat Yourself.
For me, motivation is easier when I’m being pampered. If I know I get to book a spa day if I lose 5 pounds (or up my weights, or whatever my goal is), I”m more likely to stick with it. Don’t have the funds for a spa day? Do it yourself!
DIY Coconut and Honey Hair Mask:
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons neem oil
3 tablespoons alma oil
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Apply the mask to dry hair from the roots to your ends, and use a clip to hold your hair up. Cover your hair with a shower cap. Sleep on it, and then in the morning, wash your hair out with a clarifying shampoo. Be sure to check out more of our DIY Beauty Recipes for more ways to pamper yourself!
Make it a Competition.
Gather a few friends, and decide on a common fitness or weight loss goal – and a prize. I personally prefer fitness goals (like being able to run a 5K the fastest), because everyone loses weight in a different way, at a different pace – even if they’re all working just as hard as each other. You can use our fitness printables to track your weight & goals with your friends!
The prize shouldn’t be food related, unless it’s a gift card for fresh fruits and veggies! Keep prizes fitness related – like a new pair of running shoes, a yoga mat (I like this one!), or an arm band to hold your phone while you run. You could even buy workout DVDs to use for prizes! I like the Jillian Michaels ones – not just because I love her, but because they’re almost all less than 10 bucks! If you’re wanting a bigger prize, spring for a DVD set or kit like Body Revolution!
What’s your best motivation for working out? Leave it in the comments!
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