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5 Easy Ways To Stay Motivated At The Gym
One of the hardest things to do after getting a gym membership is staying motivated to go day after day. After the first few months of exercise, it can become difficult to stay motivated at the gym. Perhaps you didn't see as fast results as you were hoping, or maybe you got bored with the machines. Whatever the reason, if you are feeling board at the gym and unmotivated to go, try these five things to gain back your gym mojo.
Workout with a friend
Having someone workout with you is an easy way to stay motivated at the gym. Even if you don't feel like going, your friend may be able to convince you to go even if you do not want to. A friend can also make the actual exercise more fun and encourage you to go further than you would on your own. If you compete against one another, that can also motivate you to train harder to win.
Try something new
Doing the same exercises over and over can get boring. One way to stay motivated to continue exercise is by trying something new. Most gyms offer other programs and classes like yoga, spin classes, water aerobics, or even pole dancing. For maximum effectiveness, try a class that offers multiple muscle groups to work together.
Budget your time
One problem that causes many people to stop going to the gym is that it is not part of their normal routine. If you make exercise something you do everyday at the same time, it becomes a habit. When something is a habit, you are much more likely to do it. Try creating a set time to exercise and go to the gym each day to help you keep motivated for the long term.
Set goals with timelines
Create a reasonable timeline for yourself with step-by-step goals. For example, if you would ideally like to lose 20 pounds, break that down into monthly goals. It usually takes at least a week to lose a pound of weight, so it can take nearly a year to lose 20 pounds safely. Try setting a goal of losing a pound a week, or increasing your weights by 5 pounds each month. Having a clear goal to work toward will help you stay motivated at the gym. Signing up for a race or other exercise event can also keep motivation high.
Distract yourself
When all else fails, try distracting yourself as you work out. Try watching a movie, listening to music, or learning a new language. Engaging in something fun can help you keep going even when you are bored or tired. Just remember, when you do not dedicate yourself 100 percent to something, the results will be lessened. You will have to exercise longer to see the same benefits as if you were focusing completely on exercise.
Before you give up on your gym membership, try some of these steps to motivate yourself to continue. You will never regret the time you took to stay healthy and make a difference in your appearance and life.