Motivation

A lot of people say that motivation is the hardest part of working out. I find this statement to be very true. We can all find plenty of excuses not to work out. But the only real excuse is that we are too lazy to do it.

Don't have the time? Seriously, we can always use time management skills to make the time to workout, or get a sitter to have some time, or better yet, work out with the kids. After all they need the exercise too!

Too tired? Exercise gives you more energy!

What other excuse is there? Don't want to get our lazy butts up off the couch to do it! I say "our" because I'm right there with you. I admit to wanting to sit at the computer and surf the net, or on the couch and watch the tube, but all that sitting is causing the rear end to spread. We've got to get up and move!

So, just how do we get motivated? Well, here are some ideas for you and me!

1. START A JOURNAL

Pick up a cheap spiral notebook from the local discount store and use it. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Start by taking your measurements. Then each day, log your food intake, your exercise, and how it made you feel. This will help you be conscious of what you are eating, and what you are doing to burn those calories. About once every month or two, take your measurements again. Seeing the improvements, or lack thereof, will help you want to do more to get to your goals. This will also show you what worked and what didn't so you can improve your training.

2. GET A WORKOUT PARTNER

This can be your husband, wife, Mom, Dad, kids, best friend, even someone you just meet at the gym and work out with. Knowing that you have to meet them at a certain time will make you feel really guilty if you don't, so you're less likely to skip your workouts.

3. ENTER A COMPETITION

There are several supplement companies out there that are having competitions to win lots of money, spokesperson contracts, etc. Whether you win or lose, you'll have a goal (to finish their program). Having to send in their contestant package at the end of so many weeks will make you more likely to stick to the program.

4. SET GOALS

Even if you don't enter a competition, set some goals for yourself. Lose x amount of body fat, Lose y number of total inches. Make them small at first, with the larger numbers for long range goals. For example....Lose 2 inches in one month, Lose 8 inches in 6 months, etc.

5. TELL EVERYONE ABOUT YOUR PROGRAM

What better motivation then to know that everyone you run into is going to ask you how its going? I mean you don't want to have to tell everyone at work that you've quit exercising and gained 10 pounds, right. You want to be able to say, "I won't do my measurements for another 2 weeks, but I've worked out 3 times so far this week." Who knows, you may just be what they need to get motivated to exercise themselves!

6. FINALLY, DON'T FEEL BAD IF YOU FALL OFF THE WAGON! TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY AND ANOTHER CHANCE TO WORKOUT!