If you’re like most busy women, ‘finally getting fit’ is likely to be sitting right near the top of your to-do list. But instead of letting your exercise sessions dwindle off after a killer start, it’s time to boost your motivation so you can put a big tick next to your get-fit goal for good!
1. RESET YOUR THINKING
Beating yourself up over missing a morning bootcamp session? Stop right now. Instead, do a thought 180 and concentrate on the positive steps you have been taking. “If people focus on the process and what they’re doing each and every day, they can give themselves a pat on the back for eating reasonably well or getting out there and doing some exercise,” says Lisa Champion, a director of the Australian Fitness Network and an emotionally focused therapist.
2. WORK OUT YOUR WHY
And we don’t mean wanting to fit into skinny jeans! Go deeper, or, as health and fitness expert Donna Aston suggests, identify your inspiration. “I get people to write down what’s important and usually looking good in jeans is not really that important,” she says. “It will come as a lovely side effect of everything else, but is that enough to change your entire lifestyle? No. Is being a role model for your kids or perhaps avoiding something that you’re genetically predisposed to? Absolutely.”
3. SET REALISTIC GOALS
Planning to run a half marathon in three weeks, but haven’t jogged further than five kays? You could be setting yourself up for disappointment. You need to set goals that are specific, measurable and realistic, says Aston, to stop yourself from getting overwhelmed or being disappointed. By setting smaller goals you can build upon, they become a lifestyle rather than something you do for a few weeks. In fact, one study published in the journal Health Psychology found the most consistent exercisers were those who made it a habit that was triggered by a cue (for example, your alarm means it’s time to work out).
4. GET EXCITED ABOUT EXERCISE
If you’ve signed up for a CrossFit class when you really can’t think of anything worse, let’s be honest—your chances of scoring perfect attendance are pretty slim. Champion suggests another approach: think about what you enjoy doing. Love the beach? Try standup paddleboarding or open water swimming. Can’t get enough dancing? Join a Zumba class. Feel good about fundraising? Sign up for a group like Can Too (cantoo.org.au) that encourages you to get fit for a good cause.
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