Transform your fitness journey with these inspiring tips!
As we go through life, our reasons for staying fit change. In my 20s, I was motivated by wanting to look good in summer clothes. Now, in my 30s, I’m more focused on being strong and healthy so that I can enjoy life with my kids. However, just wanting a “healthy” body isn’t always enough to make me hit the gym. So, how can we stay committed to fitness as we age? I’ve found some helpful strategies to keep my motivation up, even on days when working out feels hard.
Having a goal
Having a goal is essential! Whether your goal is big or small, working toward something can keep you motivated much longer than having no direction at all. For example, some people find that planning a trip three to six months in advance helps them stay motivated to remain active at the gym. While others aim to lose a specific number of pounds or a percentage of body fat over a set period. Whatever works for you, set a goal. If you want to fit into that winter bodycon dress in two months, hang it in a place where you can see it! No matter your age or stage in life, goal setting can boost the motivation we all need at times.
Reward System
You have the initial motivation inspiration with that goal you just set; now, you need to maintain it throughout the next 30-90 days. Well, there is nothing like a good ol’ reward that will help keep the blood flowing! Again, this can be big or little, depending on what works for you, but keep the reward in line with the goals you are trying to achieve. This means you shouldn’t reward yourself with a ‘binge candy night’ at the end of every week! Not only will that hinder your results, but it could also make you feel gross the next day. Instead, consider treating yourself to a steak dinner or a new workout outfit! View your fitness journey as a lifestyle, and reward yourself in ways that align with your goals. Eating candy isn’t inherently bad, but moderation is important. For example, you might reward yourself with one piece of chocolate at the end of the week, not the whole bag.
Accountability
Trust me when I say an accountability partner will change your fitness life! Being accountable to someone encourages daily commitment. I have participated in many accountability workout challenges in the past, and the results I see from them are comparable to nothing else I do. Find a friend who wants some newfound motivation in their fitness routine, share your goals with each other, and check in every day! Currently, I am doing a 90-day fitness reset with my friend. I text her a screenshot of my fitness watch every day until it is complete. If you want even more motivation, add a consequence to your challenge if you fail to meet your weekly goal.
In the past, we have had challenges where you have to pay $5 at the end of the week if you fail. Other times, we have had to do 100 burpees at the end of the week if someone fails to reach their goal. Get creative with accountability challenges; these consequences are motivating because who can afford to lose $5 a week?
Find a program and stick with it!
Finding a workout online every day creates an extra step before you can start exercising. It is already hard enough to get out there! Try finding a 30-day or 12-week program and sticking to it for the entire time. This takes the guesswork out of your schedule and allows you to have a consistent routine and muscle gains. So many apps exist today that provide programs to fit any lifestyle! If spending money isn’t what you had in mind, plenty of YouTube channels are dedicated to providing free workout programs for people.
To name a few, check out:
Whitney Simmons
Fitness Blender
Sydney Cummings Houdyshell
Burpee Girl
Caroline Girvan
Progress photos and measurements
Initially, this might not be the most inspiring thing to do because not many people want to face the reality of where they are at. However, it is essential for tracking progress and can be very motivating during the first month of working out. My husband would get so discouraged after three weeks of working out that he would often just give up. Until I told him, we needed to track our progress with photos (I took measurements, but he did not)! After working out for three weeks this time, we compared it to the ‘Day One’ photo, and there was a significant change! He was so inspired and motivated to keep going and lost 25 lbs. in three months.
Motivation is something we often seek in our lives, as it has the incredible ability to ignite feelings of inspiration and zeal within us. This spark can be the driving force that encourages us to push through challenges and pursue our goals. While it’s true that discipline and the establishment of healthy habits require time and persistence to develop, the exhilarating sensation of being inspired is an enjoyable place to start!
As you embark on your fitness journey, which will be filled with its own highs and lows, I hope that you discover at least one of these insights helpful and meaningful. Remember to focus on making steady progress rather than chasing perfection. Each small achievement, whether it’s completing an extra set of exercises, choosing a nutritious meal, or simply showing up for a workout, contributes to your overall success and growth.
So, as you embrace new challenges—perhaps trying out different workout routines, setting realistic and attainable goals, or surrounding yourself with a supportive community—remember that each step you take is a valuable part of your fitness journey.
