How to Stay Motivated
Ben Greenfield
Q. What is the best way to motivate yourself to exercise?
Answer. As evidenced by the empty gyms just a few months after those New Year’s resolutions have been set, it’s pretty difficult to stay motivated once you’ve start an exercise routine. In my experience, the most successful weight losers and fitness builders are those who achieve the following three criteria:
-
Set a measurable goal: Have a goal that is quantifiable and measurable on a regular basis, such as losing a total of 15 pounds by shedding an average of 1.5 pounds per week for 10 weeks.
-
Use a motivating event: Have an event associated with the goal, such as a family reunion, a wedding, or a 5K.
-
Tell people: Create extrinsic motivation to achieve the goal by telling family members and friends, maintaining a public blog with picture and video progress, having an accountable workout buddy, or visiting frequently with a personal trainer or nutritionist.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.