(ProActive Sports Rehab offers a weekly column promoting health, fitness and physical therapy. Please be sure to check back each week for a new topic!)
Staying motivated to work out can sometimes seem like a daunting task. It’s easy to prioritize other things ahead of your fitness routine. It’s no surprise that researchers have found that lack of motivation is one of the leading causes of inactivity.
“Committing to a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be as challenging as it might seem,” explained exercise physiologist and Bowflex Fitness Advisor Tom Holland. “Trying different motivational techniques is crucial to living a healthy lifestyle, as fitness isn’t one size fits all. Finding what inspires you can help set you on the path to success.”
Here are four ways to stay motivated to live a healthy lifestyle:
1. Mix up your workout routine. Do you get bored doing the same workout day after day? Varying your routine and incorporating new and different exercises can refresh and re-energize your workout. You’ll also be less likely to hit a weight loss plateau.
2. Bulk up your health and fitness knowledge. Knowing how to exercise properly and being educated on nutritious foods are essential to fitness success. One way to stay focused is to ensure that you’re effectively working toward your health goals. In fact, the recent Bowflex Customer Success and Motivation Survey found that health and fitness tips were one of the most important tools for fitness success. These can be found through a variety of resources — from physical therapists, personal trainers and doctors to fitness magazines and healthy-living blogs.
3. Set goals and track your progress. Setting attainable and measurable goals is key. For example, try starting out with a 20-minute workout, three times a week. Tracking your progress also helps keep you excited and working toward your goals. This can be as easy as using a machine that features tracking software or downloading a fitness app.
4. Work out with a friend. Studies show that people who work out with a partner are less likely to skip workouts and more likely to work out harder. Having a workout partner can keep you accountable and encourage you to push yourself further. The next time you head to the gym, try taking a friend or family member. If you can’t find someone to work out with, sign up for a community sports team or talk to someone new during your next group fitness class.
— NAPS
ProActive Sports Rehab, with offices in Hamburg and West Seneca, offers one-on-one physical therapy and rehabilitation services. For more information, please visit http://proactivesportsrehab.com or call 674-9600 (West Seneca office) or 648-8700 (Hamburg office). You can also follow ProActive Sports Rehab on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProActiveSportsRehab for frequent updates.
