Just try it! Even if you think a workout seems too challenging – you may just surprise yourself. I was once recommended kettle-bell workouts and was skeptical at first, but eager to switch things up. It turned out to be quite a refreshing workout, and I have fallen hard for kettle-bells! Don’t give up on yourself before you even start or try a new move or exercise.
Modify when you need to. You may have an off day, and that’s okay. Watch for proper form, and if you can’t do it correctly yet, don’t worry about it, you’ll get there. As long as you are doing your best, you’re still doing it!
But… if there are moves you’re rocking, go harder with them!
Workout in front of a mirror – even if you’re following videos. For me, it is a good motivator and helps to keep my eye on form.
Only start. Push yourself to at least start. By the time you’re halfway through, the odds are fairly good that you will have more motivation to push yourself to finish.
Believe in yourself. It seems so simple. But like with anything in life, if you don’t believe, you won’t succeed. If you already create limits for yourself in your mind, how will you ever know what your physical limits are? Positive self-talk can help to push you harder and farther, even when you think you’ve had enough.
Do not compare yourself to others. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It is also the thief of self-improvement. They are they. You are you. Look to others for motivation and inspiration. The only comparing you should be doing is against your former self and only as a motivating tool to push yourself harder or to keep going.
Another seemingly obvious one, but not always easy to follow: eat healthy – at least 80-85% of the time. What you put into your body affects how you feel and how successful and enjoyable your workouts will be. Think about how your car would run if it were filled with sludge.
Don’t lose sight of your vision. It is yours and only yours. Don’t let outside influences throw you off focus or off course. If you do fall off, know you always have the choice to get back on, at any given moment.
Don’t flail. Move like you mean it. Move with intent.
Dress yourself in trendy workout gear/clothes and runners. This simple act can be enough to motivate me to get moving.
Mark it on your calendar. I’ve gotten some friends into this habit – mark your workouts on the calendar, and when you’re done, you can highlight or check-mark them with pure satisfaction.
Every day, every hour, every minute is the right time to make good choices for your body and your health. You’re not in gym class (unless of course, you are), you’re not doing it for a teacher or a grade or your crush. You are doing it for yourself. With every workout, you are investing in your health and your future self. So, don’t sell yourself short. Get out of your own way and head, and do the work. The benefits are real. Endorphins are real. Exercise has saved me and my mental state so many times, which is why I feel so passionately about it! I believe that our quality of life can be drastically improved with regular workouts!