Between new year’s resolutionsvery often and for many of us there is that of get back in shape, perhaps finally eliminating those extra kilos that we have accumulated in a period of more or less forced physical inactivity (the recent pandemic has certainly created many problems in this!). Driven by the desire to get back on track and return to looking at a more toned and slimmer body in the mirror, many, with the arrival of the new year, register themselves in the gym, perhaps deciding to make an annual membership, which is certainly worthwhile from expense point of view. And yet… after a few months, many are at risk of giving updespite all good intentions, because motivation begins to wanefatigue makes itself felt and perhaps it is even beginning to getting bored a little, if the routine isn’t varied and fun.
First of all, you should keep in mind that you should consistently engage in at least moderate physical activity two or three times a weekis good for both the body and the mind, especially easing stress levelsa factor that contributes significantly to the accumulation of fat and unnecessary weight, due to the overproduction of the hormone cortisol. Therefore, consciously choosing to train and keeping yourself motivated is essential to having one better life under every aspect.
That said, there are days when we really don’t feel like moving, changing and going to the gym, or to the place chosen for our physical activity. Yet, even when you feel like you just don’t feel like moving, you should hold on: giving in to laziness makes it ever easier to repeat the mistake and, ultimately, to give up your sporting activity altogether.
However, we have good news for you: there are some possible strategies to adopt, to avoid abandoning the gym (or any other physical activity you have decided to undertake) after a few weeks of effort.
1. Don’t train alone. Having a friend or group of friends to train with is a proven and safe factor for don’t give in to boredom and keep yourself motivated. Not only will it be fun to get together in class or in the weight room, and work together towards a goal, but sharing goals helps to achieve them.
2. Find a physical activity or sport that you enjoy. The activity we practice must become itself the first motivation of what we do, rather than just a means to an end. Even in the case of a sport we love, there are days when we really don’t feel like training… let alone if physical activity isn’t one that entertains us and becomes just yet another “must”!
3. Monitor progress and improvements. Check your workouts and keep track of progress, even small and gradualwhich you do in your chosen physical activity is a great way to keep motivation high and have immediate satisfaction. Don’t just focus on the end result, which can take longer to show, and can make it seem like you’re getting nothing.
4. Don’t complicate your life. If it’s already difficult to maintain the motivation to continue physical activity, make attending it as simple as possible: if the gym is far away and the training hours are inconvenient, do you really think that after a few months you will continue to go there? Better choose a place near your home or office, e times suitable for your daily commitments: everything will be more obvious and simpler, and you will have no excuse to skip training.
5. Music, master! Several studies confirm it: music is a great way to find motivation and make yourself want to move, therefore listen to it before and during physical activity will not only motivate you, but also guarantee you one better performance. In fact, it seems that listening to music with a good rhythm helps burn more caloriesto increase physical resistance and also concentration.
