When you first start going to the gym, it can be difficult to keep up with your workout schedule and even more difficult to push yourself through tough workouts. However, there are plenty of ways you can stay motivated during tough workouts. A personal trainer can help you identify what keeps you motivated and help you incorporate it into your workout sessions so that the next time you hit the gym, you’ll be able to accomplish what you’re setting out to do and feel great about it in the process.
1: Don’t Be Afraid to Push Yourself
Your first instinct is to take it easy in a new gym and not make a fool of yourself. That’s natural, but you won’t get much out of your workout if that’s how you approach it every time. Instead, push yourself at least once get as close to failure as possible and know that next time, you won’t have to reach quite so hard. A little trial and error can help put things into perspective and give you an idea of what will help keep your motivation up. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help!
2: End on A High Note
When you start to feel like giving up, just think back to how good it feel to achieve your goal! This can help keep your mind focused on moving forward. Personal trainer and fitness expert untitled fitness lab recommends that if exercise is something you dread doing, consider making a bet with your friend or trainer: The losing person buys donuts for their friends and only one kind. She also says another fun way to motivate each other is by challenging each other to push-up competitions while running together. Not only will it make exercising more enjoyable but it’ll also help strengthen those arms and increase endurance.
3: Focus on How Good It Will Feel When You Finish
When your workout starts to feel like a slog, focus on what it will feel like once you're done. At that point, all of your hard work will have paid off and you'll have achieved a personal goal which is always satisfying! Try visualizing yourself crossing the finish line ahead of time; that way, when it comes time to do it, you'll be filled with anticipation. And if getting through one more rep seems too daunting at that point? It's just another three seconds. It's almost over. Think about what kind of reward awaits once you've put in enough effort to finish. Do whatever works for you but stay focused on feeling good once it's over!
4: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
No one is going to be working out quite like you are. That doesn’t mean that comparing yourself to others is a good idea, though. Personal trainers tell their clients all of the time that getting frustrated because someone else has more energy or works harder isn’t productive and just ends up discouraging people from exercising. If your goal is to lose weight and tone up, remember that everyone has their own pace and workout style no matter what anyone else tells you, there is no right way to exercise. You have to find something that works for you and stick with it.
5: Reward Yourself After Every Workout
Working out is a commitment, but so is every other good thing in your life. Give yourself something to look forward to after every training session, whether that’s a high-protein snack or five minutes with one of your favorite TV shows. Studies have shown that those who reward themselves for working out are more likely to stick with it and see results. Maybe that’s because you’re using your time in between sessions as motivation, or maybe it’s because you’re just rewarding yourself with fun stuff like video games, movies, and food, it helps!
6: Be Accountable for Your Workout Routine
Tell a friend or family member what your goals are and how often you'll be working out. If necessary, even make it an appointment. This helps to keep yourself on track for staying motivated for your workout routine. Don't let a skipped workout get in your way of continuing with good ones. Keep track of all your fitness efforts by recording them in a journal or logging them online and reviewing them at regular intervals. one of many common excuses given when people skip their workout routines, but it's not an excuse at all!
7: Pick A Personal Trainer You Get on With
When going to a gym, it’s easy to follow what everyone else is doing. When in doubt, go with your gut and find a trainer who inspires you and whose methods work for your goals. A high-intensity workout on YouTube or an inspiring Ted talk might not seem like traditional motivation, but they work just as well if not better than any inspirational poster or quote. If you have something in common with others who are working out with you, it makes it more likely that they’ll stick around to keep encouraging and motivating you along.
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