Motivation for the New Year

How can you expect to find the motivation to exercise, unless you actually look for it?

This is courtesy of Sheta at www.evolveyourself.co.nz
How can you expect to find the motivation to exercise, unless you actually look for it?

Maybe someone has given you a comment that hit a nerve such as “are you really going to eat that!?” or tells you that “yes those pants do make your butt look big”. Or you hope on the scales and hope that they are broken – or you try to blame it on 'that time of the month'.

Something that can make one person put down the toffee pops (chips, cheese, chocolate, whatever), and get into some exercise may not have any effect on someone else. Realising the benefits of exercise and what can be gained from doing it regularly may be good for one person, but others may have to be scared into doing it.

Starting to be more active, and living a healthier lifestyle is something you need to do for yourself, for your health, wellbeing, and also that you can have the energy to do the things you enjoy – and look good doing it!

If living longer and looking great with an abundance of energy to keep up with the kids, and up with (or ahead of) your friends, isn’t enough of a motivator, these ideas may help you!

Fear Motivator: Statistics

• One in every 3 adults* in NZ is overweight, and 1 in every 4 is obese.

With this, there is a higher chance of health problems such as:
• type 2 diabetes
• coronary heart disease and stroke
• metabolic syndrome
• certain types of cancer
• sleep apnea
• osteoarthritis
• gallbladder disease
• fatty liver disease
• pregnancy complications

*http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/8396/one-three-adults-overweight-survey

Fear Motivator: Scales
You hop on the scales and have reached a number you thought you would never see. If you are the heaviest you have ever been, this should shock you enough to do something about it. Get back in control – now! We have all seen the shows on TV where some people have to lose nearly the weight of a whole other person to become ‘normal’, or where people have become so overweight that cranes are required to lift them from their homes. They weren’t always like that….as one successful weight loss person said on TV one day; it was one burger at a time that contributed to her weight gain. This can also come in the shape of muffins, cakes, savories etc.

Fear Motivator: An early grave
How many of you know of someone in their 40’s who has had a heart attack? It’s becoming more common – and very scary! Your body isn’t like it was in its 20’s. You now have to be more aware of what you eat and drink. Party all night now and more than likely you’ll feel the punch of it for a day or two, not like the earlier years when you could go out 2, 3 or 4 nights of the week.

Age is creeping up. It’s harder to get off the couch, and at the end of the day you feel like collapsing. Even going for a walk seems like a bad idea, let alone doing a sporting activity with the kids.

Well, you have two choices, continue down the slide or get off your rear end and turn it around! You can regain the energy of youth, at any age.

Positive Motivator for Exercise: Results!
Results are the best cure for a lack of motivation. Of course you have to actually start something first, (like the 12 Week Evolution) but it won't be long. In a week or two you will start to feel and see changes. This in itself can make you happier and more excited to continue creating the body you have always wanted.

Obviously, to get results, you have to start!

Positive Motivator to Exercise: Setting Goals
So, how does setting a goal be motivating? Setting a goal, for example...'to lose 5 kilos by next month’ takes you from simply wishing and dreaming to heading towards a specific goal, with a target date to reach. The deadline will motivate you to make you get the most out of your exercise and nutrition program. When you reach your goal, which I know you will, you can then set a new goal to take you to the next level.

Positive Motivator to Exercise: Take a Photo
Take a photo of yourself and put it somewhere you can see it very day. Then carry on with your exercise programme and take a new photo in 4 weeks. The changes you see and the positive comments from your family and colleagues will provide more motivation. A photo is a great record. As we tend to look at ourselves each day, often we miss the small changes we make.

Positive Motivator to Exercise: Write down your Reasons
Sit down and write a list of all the reasons you are following your new program along with your specific, reasonable goal and time-frame. A good deadline may be a birthday, event, or change of season (think Summer!). You could put this next to your 'before' picture and read it every day. This will provide reinforcement and motivation to exercise. Your new lifestyle must be constantly in your mind, especially during the first, habit forming, 3 weeks.

Positive Motivator to Exercise: Think of all the benefits of exercise!
Increased energy, increased mental focus, increased self-esteem, increased sense of control over your life, reduced chances of heart attack, osteoporosis, breast cancer, increased strength and stamina, reduction of stress, feel comfortable in your skin (and clothes), the list goes on…

Positive Motivator to Exercise: Keep a diary
Track your progress daily including the exercises, weights used, and sets and repetitions. This idea is related to the one above on results, because you will quickly see, all on one page the progress you are making and how fast it is happening. Nothing gives you motivation to exercise like results and you will see them in your diary even before your picture looks any different. The Evolve diaries are perfect for keeping your records!

Positive Motivator to Exercise: Read!
I regularly read health and fitness magazines and books with pictures and advice all related to getting and staying in shape. As well as finding new exercises to try, magazines can be very motivating. Try out magazines like 'Fitness Life' or 'Women’s Health'.

Positive Motivator to Exercise: Find an exercise partner!
Having someone who is at similar stages as you, to meet up with and work out regularly, will improve your attitude immensely! Watch each other, help and encourage each other, and enjoy the company. You will begin to rely on each other for moral support and accountability. If your friends, aren’t ‘into it’, talk to me about possibly placing you with another similar client, who can become your new gym buddy!

Positive Motivator to Exercise: Exercise in the Morning, to awaken your metabolism!
Morning exercise boosts your metabolism and senses and, is a great way to kick-start your day. Studies have shown that those who exercise 5 to 6 days a week, in the morning are much more likely to stick with the program and reap the benefits. You may not feel like a morning person, but after 3-4 days, you will look forward to your morning boost – and it will leave you energised for all your other daily activities.

Positive Motivator to Exercise: Do something you like!
The gym isn't for everyone, so if you like bike riding or dancing, tennis or skiing or running, (you get the idea), go for it as part of your regular plan. Make it fun and it won't seem like a chore, but be sure to do something everyday.

Share your idea!! I love hearing goals – and helping you reach them. If you have an idea on how to stay motivated, please share it – it could make the list!

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