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5 Ways to Stick to Your Workout
Whether it's a New Years promise that flops, or a mid summers day promise that in fact, never sees the light of day; promises to a better health seem to constantly be broken. There are many reasons why this happens but the first of foremost reason is this: we weren't all that serious about it. Somewhere between adolescence an adulthood we figure out that we can 'say' things to make ourselves feel better, and that the momentary high is much more rewarding than the reality low is depressing. "Build Me Up Buttercup" becomes the theme of our lives. You don't need a personal trainer to reach that goal buttercup. Here are 5 steps to sticking to your workout:1. Make A Bet
The key to making the bet is to try and make it with someone you don't particularly like. Nosey neighbor, annoying co-worker, someone that gives you added motivation to not lose to. The first person to drop 20 lbs, compete and finish a mini marathon, bench press double their weight -- back yourself against a wall so it becomes inherently obvious you cannot quit.
2. Join A Fitness Message Board
There is nothing better than accountability when it comes to fitness goals. By being a part of a group, you get the best of both worlds. When you slip up, miss a day or otherwise just hit that low where you want to give up -- there is genuinely good people to support you whom want to see you reach your goal. Don't be fooled though, the power of the crowd will not be interested in excuses, and will hold you to your target goal.
3. Plan Workouts In Advance And Change The Destinations
By setting the date/time/location of a workout, and changing it up as to not become repetitive, you give yourself a better chance for sticking to the plan. The change of any one of those factors: date, time, type, location better increase the likelihood of rejuvenated interest in the workouts.
4. Start A Streak
There's nothing like a winning streak to get a city excited and attract fans to the stadium right? Do the same for your workout by trying to set a new records within your workout regime. Records for consecutive workouts without a miss, parts of the workout where you extend the time 1 minute, the little wins that make you feel like the Michael Jordan of the gym.
5. See Your Body Through His/Her Eyes
Ask your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife to give you some brutal honest feedback. Have them write in on a sheet of paper if they cannot voice it. Ask them what are your most displeasing physical characteristics. Talk about instant motivation -- if they write it down it's something you can read every time you're about to order that pizza, breadstick's and 2 liter with every intention of eating all of it. If they are hesitant, give him/her a list of all of your body parts and ask them to rank best to worst. Hit the worst areas first, and then you can revisit every 3 weeks, and when they start to see the changes, ask them what their dream body part on you is.
Those are just 5 of many ways to get yourself to stick with the workout. Do you have any that have worked for you?