Viva Vitality: Keep yourself motivated

By Laura Lukye on February 10, 2023.

Motivation is always the hardest part when wanting to get active and stay active.

Have you ever signed up for a fitness program and then quit? If you said yes, you are not alone.

We know we should get to the gym or take that walk but we keep putting it off. Staying motivated is a problem for lots of people and that’s unfortunate because exercise offers many benefits, such as helping to prevent heart disease, certain cancers and other illness, as well as aiding in improving sleep, easing stress and boosting energy. Here are some tips that will help you stay motivated:

1. Set Realistic and Attainable goals: Start small and work up to bigger goals. It’s easy to give up if your goals are too big. A goal should be “I will go for a 30-minute walk twice during the week.” Write these goals down and put them on your fridge; it’s a great reminder of what you want to accomplish.

2. Rewards: I love this one. When you accomplish your goals treat yourself, this will help you stay on track. Some examples of rewards are a pedometer, new fitness gear or a massage.

3. Spice it up: Add variety to your fitness routine. Variety in activities will keep you from getting bored. But always remember who you are. Some people enjoy group activities well others enjoy solitary activities.

4. Fitness buddy: Involve more than you. By getting someone else on board, they will support you and your goals. You could involve a co-worker, a friend or make it a family affair.

5. Flexible: It’s OK if you miss a day, don’t use this as an excuse to quit. Our lives are hectic, schedule time in when it fits.

Now that we are feeling very motivated to start your journey to wellness, let’s get going. Set some wellness goals and at any time you feel you are getting unmotivated review these tips.

If you need more information you can go to participaction.com for some great resources and activities.

Laura Lukye is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Population Health in the South Zone