How to stay motivated on your fitness goals

You’ve seen the pictures of fit models, you’ve understood the health angle, you’re motivated to “get with the program”, you sign up at your local gym, you even hire a personal trainer. You start with great enthusiasm, you brave those sore muscles and show up every day for your workout. Slowly but surely, your body starts to change shape. The inches drop as the unwanted fat melts away. Maybe even the scale approves with a nice number. Your friends compliment you on how good you look. You’re happy, you’ve met your goals. The end.

The end? No. This is just the beginning of a long, committed and very serious monogamous relationship with yourself! And here’s the hard part. Staying motivated.

Most people think that once goals are achieved, there’s nothing more to do. Unfortunately, what most people don’t know is that the body is a dynamic and metabolically active organism, and changes are taking place within and without every minute of our lives. You have to keep exercising to preserve those goals you worked hard for.

Here’s what will work for sure:

Be honest with yourself. Make the mirror a friend who never lies.
Take a good look at yourself everyday. But don’t get obsessive.
Eat well and healthy but don’t make excuses for overindulgences. Calories add up and the only loser is you.
Find a time you enjoy and make that your work out hour. But don’t beat yourself up if you miss a workout.
Take one day off in the week to rest, relax, chill out.
Find workouts you enjoy, exercise to music you enjoy.
Change up your workouts every few months so that boredom doesn’t set in.
Dress up in clothes that make you feel good.
Find like -minded friends, create a group of workout buddies.
Get a yearly health check –up!

A regular health check-up is the most important way, and it works like a charm! The report that declares no diabetes, no high Blood Pressure, no heart problems, no osteoporotic bones, that all your systems are working fine , is a high that no drug or cocktail can ever give you. You’ve worked hard and you reap the benefits. You look good on the inside and the outside!

Every year, pick a date, like your birthday or even New Year’s day, look back on the past, see how well you’ve done, congratulate yourself and think, “I’ve done so well, for so long, I can’t sabotage myself now, can I? I must keep going! ” That’s your motivational speech to yourself.

You are the only friend your body has. If you don’t take care of it, who else will?

Be your own best friend!!!! Stay motivated and keep exercising!