I think we can all agree as collegiettes that exercising isn’t always our number one priority. What with studying, socializing, and sleeping, it’s hard to keep up with working out on a regular basis. Even when we do make time to exercise, it can be hard to keep up with it! Here are a few tips to maintain motivation to keep in shape:
1. Find a gym buddy. Using a friend is a great way to motivate yourself. If you’re by yourself, you make your own decisions; but with a friend, you’ll always keep in mind that someone is counting on you. If you have someone to accompany you to the gym (or however you choose to exercise), you can compete with each other, keep one another from quitting, and push each other further toward your goals. Just make sure your buddy is committed to their own fitness goals!
2. Make a schedule. Everyone has busy schedules, but it’s probably possible to fit in a half hour of exercise at least a few times per week! Try to fit a workout into your daily routine – preferably at the same time each day. If you have your plans all worked out in chronological order, you’re more likely to follow through on them. So include your workout as part as your routine and it will eventually become a habit.
3. Write it down and record your progress. Keep track of your goals by physically writing them out, and even placing them somewhere you’ll look every day. If your goal is to lose weight, write down your target weight and how you plan to achieve it. If your goal is to build muscle, write down what you want to focus on and what sort of exercises you’ll do. It can also be helpful to write down where and when you plan to work out. If you check off each day of exercise on your calendar, it will become somewhat of an award to be able to check off a day on the calendar.
4. Reward yourself. Make promises to yourself that you can only keep if you exercise. Tell yourself you can’t watch your TV shows that night unless you work out before hand. Reward yourself with a new article of exercise clothing, a manicure, or a dinner at your favorite restaurant. If you go through your workout routine with a reward in mind, you’ll push yourself harder and get closer to achieving your goal faster.
5. Make it fun! Working out doesn’t always have to be a drag. Spice up your work out with new music, shows to watch, and even new exercises. Create a playlist beforehand specifically just for working out. Include upbeat songs that make you want to dance! If you need something else to focus on, pick a TV show that you can watch while you’re exercising – just make sure it doesn’t take away from or affect your work out! Lastly, you can switch it up by exercising in different manners. Instead of hitting the treadmill or doing solo ab workouts, sign up for zumba dancing or a yoga class. Mixing it up will keep things fun and interesting!