Your training schedule doesn’t only present challenges on a physical level. Very often we find ourselves lacking motivation to even start a workout.
Here are a few tips to help you kickstart your motivation…
1. Find the right training plan
When you look at your training plan, do you feel like you’ll never manage? Try to focus on the first few days of your plan and slowly work your way forward. This way, you won’t be put off by the training sessions waiting for you later on.
The stronger you get, the easier the workouts will be. Change takes time — be patient!
2. Define your goal
One thing is clear: you need a goal.
Goals motivate you to keep at it and stay focused. Your goal can be a 5K race or even your first marathon. Personal goals might also be to improve your general fitness or to look good for your next beach holiday.
3. Spice up your training
Sometimes you might just be bored with your workouts. New incentives and challenges can help you to get back on track. Try combining your workout with a run or a climbing trip with friends. Swapping your usual training venue for something new can spice things up a little. You can plan a bodyweight training session at home, in the park, or at the beach in the sun. Wherever you are — let the world be your gym! Try it!
If you’re focusing on cardio and you enjoy running, try mixing up your running speeds. Or choose a different route. A new area will take your mind off the running and you’ll learn more about your neighborhood. Your run might also just be a warm-up for your actual workout. That way, you’re already wearing the right outfit.
4. Be wils and try different exercises
Sometimes an exercise might pop up in your training plan that doesn’t feel so great for your body at the moment. Choose a different exercise that you can complete without a struggle. Ideally it should work the same muscle groups, because the order and content of a training plan has a concept behind it. For example, you can exchange High Knees for an easy run on the beach, do push-ups against the wall or on your knees.
5. Don’t let breaks get you down
You had to take a break for a while and you’re ready to continue your fitness program? Don’t start right where you left off. Give your body some time to catch up to the level you were at before the break. Start at an easier point in the training plan and work your way up again. Remember: long-term success doesn’t happen overnight.
