Where's Your Motivation?

Ami Hodge

Fitness Coach,

Terra Nova Fitness

The mantra taught to novice surfers around here is "90% of surfing is just showing up". I think that can apply to just about any task in life, especially our workouts.

It doesn’t matter whether you're running a 10K or just heading to the gym for an hour, we all have those moments where we weigh the options of staying in a nice relaxing bed or burning off those calories from last night's dinner.

We know there are proven benefits to working out and we know we usually feel better afterwards,  so here are some things to keep in mind in order to stay on track:

Keep Your Eye On The Prize

Some may need to slim down for an upcoming reunion or wedding.  Others may have health issues that they would like to improve. Athletes might need to improve their performance. No matter what the goal we all want to see results. So, whenever you find yourself blowing off a workout, you need to keep your eye on the prize. Picture yourself looking hot in that size 8 dress or bringing that blood pressure down 10 points or finishing a half marathon in less than 2 hours. 

Each time you skip a workout, you’re just going to set yourself back that much further.

That said, lapses happen (or rather, life happens). For whatever reason, sometimes out of our control, we get sidetracked from our routines. Kids get sick, the boss wants overtime, the house is flooded. The important thing to remember is not to be hard on yourself if you do find yourself behind in your workout routine. Even if you just weren't motivated to do it for a few days.

Build A Support Team

Having friends or family members remind you of your goals can be much more effective than any trainer's words of advice. These are people that know your strengths and weaknesses. They may even be able to predict when a lapse is going to happen and be there to boost you along when times get tough.

Create A Contract

Create a contract with someone you trust, such as a relative or fitness coach.  Whoever you choose to help you stay focused should be enthusiastic about seeing your goals through. Have them promise to check in on you once in awhile and maybe even offer you a reward when you have completed a certain number of goals.

Be Accountable To Yourself

If you are uncomfortable having others involved in something so personal as fitness goals, that's ok. Just as we can be our own worst critics, we can also be our own biggest fans. There's nothing weird about being accountable to yourself. Put your goals in writing and promise yourself something special if that goal is achieved.  

Whatever method you choose, make sure it's one that will keep you on the right track to showing up for those workouts! 

“Motivation is what gets you started.  Habit is what keeps you going.”