Top Tips to Help You Stay Motivated While Getting Fit

OK, let's have a show of hands... who out there keeps promising that they're going to get fitter, that they will improve their golf game by doing so and that their overall well-being will be enhanced as a result?

I'd put my hand up but, as a two-finger typist, doing so would reduce my typing speed to a glacial pace. 

As someone who gets up in the morning and wonders where that first ache is going to come from, I have promised for years to improve my 'lifestyle', diet and flexibility. I've taken up Pilates, but there are so many other things that have to be done right if change is: 

a) going to happen, and 

b) going to last

Here is a guest post with six tips to help you get started.

Top tips to help you stay motivated while getting fit

We all want to look and feel our best, but actually reaching this goal can be tricky. One of the hardest things is sustaining motivation levels. You might often find that first thing on Monday morning, you’re raring to eat healthily and get in shape, but come Friday evening after a stressful week at work, the last thing on your mind is healthy living.

However, there are little tips and tricks that can help you stay on track, and here are some of the best.

Set a realistic diet

One of the first hurdles many people fall down at when trying to get in shape is setting overly restrictive dieting targets. As a general rule, moderation is better than cutting things out completely.

Also, take some time to think up recipes that are not only healthy, but tasty too. If you try to get by on boring meals, you’re bound to lose heart. There’s plenty of inspiration available online, so you won’t be stuck for ideas.

Start with simple goals

Even if your long-term goal is to lose a considerable amount of weight, make sure you set smaller, more manageable aims along the way. Each time you reach one of these targets, you’ll get a buzz that should help you stick to your fitness regime.

Integrate activity into your daily routine

As well as heading to sessions at the gym, you can boost your fitness by simply incorporating more activity into your daily routine. For example, take the stairs rather than the lift and try getting off the bus a stop earlier than usual. Once you get into these habits, it’s really easy to keep them going.

Make exercise fun

Another top tip is to choose sports or activities that you actually enjoy doing. If you dread stepping into the gym, why not try running around your local park or taking a swim instead? Team sports can be great fun too. They’re sociable and they have the added element of competition. And let's not forget the value of a walk around the golf course.

It’s also important to have suitable exercise clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in. Luckily, it’s now easy to pick up all the gear you need online from sites like LeSports.

Put your aims down on paper

You might also benefit from putting your aims down on paper. At first, this may seem unnecessary and over the top, but give it a try. It really can help.

For example, are you hoping to boost your energy, sleep better, lose weight? Referring back to your list from time to time can help you to focus on the range of benefits associated with keeping fit.

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

Last but by no means least, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. There are bound to be days when you can’t stick to your regime. Perhaps you’re too busy at work, you’re not feeling well or something unexpected happens. Don’t consider this a failure. The important thing is to get your regime back on track as soon as possible.

By bearing advice like this in mind, you should find it easier to stay motivated and stick to your fitness regime.