3 Tips to get Motivated to Move!
In my opinion, one of the hardest things about beginning and maintaining an exercise routine or movement practice is just getting started!
You’ll be pleased to know you’re not alone! The resistance that we often feel is normal - our brain is trying to “protect” us from difficult things to keep us safe and won’t distinguish between the stress signal of anticipating a difficult workout and that of a real life danger, like a fast car coming towards you when crossing the road.
After years of keeping up a regular exercise routine myself, I can say that unfortunately the resistance doesn’t get any less… But when you are committed to a lifestyle of regular movement to keep your body feeling great and aches and pains at bay, there are ways to make it easier to push past the resistance and give your body the movement nourishment it craves!
Today I’m sharing 3 of my favourite tips for movement motivation. it’s not an exhaustive list - please let me know in the comments if you have any other ways that you use to get yourself moving!
Have a plan If you only have 5 minutes, you’ve gotta make those 5 minutes count! It’s far better to have a focussed, short practice than a long practice where you don’t have any direction.
I really recommend taking 5-10 minutes at the start of each week planning what you are going to do.
Which days are super-busy and you might only be able to squeeze in 5 mins? Where can you fit in a slightly longer practice? Put them in your diary and make them non-negotiable - treat it like a date with a loved one who you wouldn’t let down!
Make a plan that you are excited about! If there are exercises on there you don’t like (but you know you need to do them) - put in something you love at the end so you have a little reward and finish on a high!
Track your progress
For me this is super-motivating! When you start to see awesome results from your hard work it can only inspire you to drag yourself off the sofa or make sure you don’t hit the snooze button!
Goals or milestones can be really helpful to give you a clear focussed path to work towards - each little bit you do every day, whether its 5 or 30 minutes, is another step on the way!
Practice with other people
Funny as it may seem, most of us hate letting other people down - whether it’s a friend, an organised group or a trainer you have paid to help you.
If you have to meet someone at a specific time and day or report back to someone - you’re going to want to do it!
Working alongside other people is motivating - so if you can find a friend to exercise with either in person or online it’s going to increase your chances of continuing!
I hope you find these tips useful - please let me know in the comments if you put one or more of them to good use!
And if you would like some more help staying motivated with your practice through the holiday season, be sure to sign up for my special 2-day event “Finish Strong” on 20th and 21st November! It’s totally free of charge and you’ll leave with all the tools you need to stay strong, happy and energised during this busy period.