The following article is published on Dynamic Supplements, the online fitness supplement retailer! Find them here: https://www.dynamicsupplements.co.uk/
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Let’s be honest – sometimes, staying motivated can be difficult. It’s especially difficult in the colder months when leaving the comfort of your warm bed fills you with dread – and why wouldn’t it? Winter = the pits. It’s dark when you wake up, dark when you leave work, and all you want is a hot, stodgy meal to keep the cold at bay.
But don’t let the January Blues defeat you! Here are some top tips for keeping you motivated and inspired during the winter months.
Summer bodies are made in winter. Just imagine yourself 6 months from now on the beach. Imagine the looks of admiration (and even respect) from the strangers on the beach. Imagine how good all those newly developed muscles will look with a tan. ‘Nuff said!
Warm your gym clothes. Leave them on a radiator overnight and set your heating to come on when you wake up. That way, getting out of bed will be less torturous when you know you have warm clothes to get in to!
Get a gym buddy. Motivate each other – you’ll also be less likely to slack off once you’re there!
Shake up your workout. Keep things interesting to stop yourself getting bored – you’ll be far less likely to quit.
Prep meals. Try fresh, new meals to keep food exciting and satisfying – you’ll be less likely to stray to bad foods.
Track your progression. Be your own inspiration; seeing a before and after photo, or seeing how much weight you’ve lost or how much muscle you’ve gained can be a huge boost of confidence and motivation to continue.
Don’t set unrealistic goals. Instead, set small, manageable goals, and continue to increase them as you meet them. If you set an achievable goal, you’ll feel a huge sense of achievement when you reach it. This in itself is incredibly motivating, as well as a huge confidence booster.
Reward yourself. Sometimes, knowing there’s a reward at the end of the week/month is enough to keep you going. Whether it’s that cheat meal you’ve got planned, or a pair of new trainers you’ve been eying up, let the rewards keep you pushing forward.
And if all else fails, remember; exercise is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle, so understanding what motivates you to hit the gym is your key to success. Don’t regret that missed workout… you’ll enjoy it once you’re there!