With our very busy lives it seems to get harder and harder to stick with a fitness program. What motivates you to get moving every day? Is there a better time of day to work out? Does it help to exercise with a group or a buddy? Share your thoughts on what motivates you?
I tend to stick to it when I schedule it into my day in advance. Write it on the calendar, make no excuses and I'm more likely to actually go and work out. Planning ahead also helps me get in the right mindset, so I can psych myself up before going.
I completely agree with the planning ahead and commiting to working out. The company that I work for has a fitness center right on site. They offer step aerobic and spinning classes during the lunch hour as well as a complete selection of exercise equipment and free weights. I am fortunate to have this opportunity because I schedule my workout every day during my lunch hour. I commit to taking my gym bag to work and my lunch every day. Once my workout is done I eat my lunch at my desk after returning to work. This way my workout is done and out of the way before I go home for the day. I know I won't do it in the morning because I am too rushed and after work is too hectic with the kids and all of their activities. Taking a brisk walk during the lunch hour is another great alternative if a gym is not close at hand.
With two preschoolers, I find the best way for me has been to join a gym with child care. It gives me a break during the day and gives them an opportunity to play with other kids in a supervised setting.
My husband and I motivate each other to work out - which is good sometimes and at times difficult (esp if one of us is feeling tired/sick etc). We tend to prompt each other to work out often and try to mix it up fairly regularly. Mind you, our home gym is something to be seen: one ergometer, bosus, balance board, balance balls, weights and last ( but not least) our climbing wall. So it's easy to mix it up and do something different every day.
Truly the best way to stick to any fitness program is with a buddy. Find someone that you can motivate and likewise the person will motivate you as well. My sister and I do this for each other. The key is knowing when to cut each other some slack and when to be the drill sergeant.
I've recently started working out again, and I've set a goal to participate in a local charity race at the end of October. That goal is giving me the motivation because I've determined how far I need to go each week to make the goal of participating fully in the event.
What a wonderful idea Brandi - setting workout goals are very helpful because you can set smaller goals to reach your final goal. It is much more motivating when you see success gradually. Good Luck!
