MOTIVATION TIPS

It is easy to say that you HAVE or MUST exercise as it is for your own good health and well-being and blah blah........ Everyone of us knew that but how many of us enjoy doing exercise without being forced. If you are one of those who finding it hard to get started, or if you are halfway and you find that you are losing interest.

What you need is to give your motivation a KICK-START!!! Here are some tips that will help.

DON'T FOCUS ON WEIGHT LOSS
While these are the ultimate goals, focusing on them will not motivate you to exercise, as changes are slow and steady. Instead, create an exercise goal for yourself.

Try to do more star jumps in a minute every session, or run a little further in 20 minutes than you did each time. Every time when you work out, set yourself an achievable goal to beat, you will work harder and get more satisfaction whenever you achieve it. If you do not like to run or jog, you can climb up and down the stairs at home.

Do not try to exert or force yourself to exercise for one hour on the first day because you will lose interest in no time. My advice to take it slowly and as your body get use to the routine, you can slowly increase the time set or limit.

DONT DO THE SAME WORKOUT MORE THAN THREE DAYS IN A ROW
Variety is the key in preventing boredom in every area of your life and exercise is no exception. Every couple of sessions, change something about your workout - do things in a different order or run a different route.

Try a different sport or just do the one you normally do faster or more intensely. Not only does this keep your mind occupied, it also keeps your muscles stimulated and increases results.

USE EXTERNAL MOTIVATORS
Studies have shown that people who work out to music, exercise 25 percent longer than those who do not keep to the beat.

Those who exercised in front of the television stayed put longer than normal. Research has even found that cyclist who sniffed citrus scents before they started found their workout easier than it actually was and they enjoyed it more. Think what interest you to exercise and use it.

WORK OUT WITH A FRIEND
Scientists found that people who exercised with a friend were more likely to stick to their goals than those exercise alone.

So, do not hesitate to arrange with your friend or partner to exercise together as both of you are able to motivate each other.

TRY THE 10-MINUTE RULE
If you do not think you want to exercise, tell yourself you will do 10 minutes and then see how you feel. If you are still not in the mood when you reach that point you can stop.

However, if you think you want to carry on with the exercise, you can continue if you feel up to it. Most of the time, you will proceed in continuing the exercise.

The day you do not, is a day you will really need a break. Do not BEAT yourself up about it. Everyone needs a rest day BUT try not to go more than 72 hours without a workout. The happy hormones(endorphins)produced when you exercise around for 72 hours, making it easier for the next workout.

If you wait longer, it is likely you have to start from scratch and you will eventually feel like quitting.