Have you started and stopped more exercise programs than you’d care to admit? Are there dusty old DVDs in the attic, sneakers that you’ve barely worn? Do you feel like there’s something wrong with you because you never stick to anything? That’s how I used to feel. Like I was just born without the discipline gene. (I still think I was born without the housecleaning gene, but that’s a story for another day.) Then one day in 2012 something clicked and I haven’t stopped exercising since. I think these 8 strategies are part of the mindset shift that helped me stick with it.

It might have had something to do with Shaun T, too. He is the one that kicked my butt into shape with Insanity back in 2012 and today I’m starting his new program, Transform 20. So I’ve been thinking about some of the things that helped make that happen back then…

8 Strategies to Get Motivated and Stick With It

1. Get in the mindset. This step might sound a little wishy-washy. But I really believe that you have to get in the mindset if you want to succeed. Think about why you want to lose weight, why you want to exercise. Shift from wanting to be skinny or look a certain way to wanting to be strong and healthy. Read a book about making changes or nutrition or health. Listen to motivating podcasts. Go on Pinterest and find quotes that motivate you (check out some of my favorites here). Save healthy recipes. All these mindset things can get you started and keep you going when your motivation starts to waver.
2. Set a start date. There’s something to be said for just starting. You don’t need a new month or a new week or a Monday to start. But there’s also something to be said for preparing yourself mentally with a concrete start date. I like beginning workout programs on Mondays. It feels like a fresh start. Just don’t put off that start date for too long. There will be no perfect time.
3. Follow a schedule. One of the things I love about Beachbody programs is that they come with a calendar. I like knowing what I’m doing each day. If you’re not doing a workout program that comes with a schedule to follow make your own. Print out a blank calendar and fill in your workouts ahead of time. You’re more likely to stick with it if you have a plan for each day. You can search for workout calendars online. Make yourself a program. Block out a time frame- 4 weeks, 60 days, 90 days. When you’re done you can evaluate your progress and decide what to do next.
4. Take measurements. Losing weight and getting in shape is about more than the scale. You should weigh yourself, but you should also take measurements. Sometimes the scale is not the best indicator of progress. If you’re gaining muscle, your weight might go up. Plus your weight fluctuates so much. Don’t be too tied to the scale. Take your measurements now and again at the end of your “program.” I measure my waist, hips, chest, thighs, and arms.
5. Take before and after pictures. Yikes. This one sounds completely crazy and is still a little bit of torture every time I do it. But I think it’s important. Before and after pictures are also a great way to see progress. You will see changes in these pictures that you might not notice when you look in the mirror. That before picture can also be a great motivator. You don’t have to get in a bikini or anything and you can take them yourself if you don’t want anyone in on the process. Wear something that will show progress- a pair of shorts and a form-fitting t-shirt would be ok. If you can bear it try shorts and a sports bra. When you finish you’ll be glad you have them. You can check out this old post I wrote about taking pictures.
6. Find support. This part is huge. Not only can a support system help you through bad days, but it can also help keep you accountable. Get a workout buddy. Join a Facebook group. Do something that will offer encouragement, motivation, inspiration, and camaraderie. Some of the women in my ongoing fitness group have helped me through some really hard challenges- and I haven’t even met them! This part can mean more than you’d imagine.
7. Keep a journal. Keep track of your workouts. Cross them off on a calendar or check them off in a planner. Record your food. Food journals are a great way to stick with your nutrition. This can also be a great way to look back and see what works for you.
8. Make it a priority. You just have to do it. You have to make exercise a priority. It can’t be something you let slide anymore. You started for a reason and that reason is important. Think about that when you think about skipping a workout. Get it done. No excuses. Everyone is busy, everyone has stuff going on, everyone has bad days. Your health is a priority. Happiness is a priority. Commitment to yourself is a priority. Don’t give yourself an out. Stick with it and over time it will become part of your life. It will be like taking a shower, just something you do every day. Tough love yourself when you need it and get those workouts done.

One of the reasons I love Beachbody, and one of the reasons I think their programs get so many people amazing results, is that this all comes with your program. It’s all set up for you. You get the calendar, the nutrition plan, the progress trackers. Most importantly you get the right workouts sequenced in the right way to get you the best results. And of course, you get the support- your lovely coach 🙂 and access to groups, as well as the whole Beachbody community and resources.

But if you go to the gym or want to walk or run or do free workouts from YouTube, you can model your own program after theirs. The structure will help keep you on track. Print out that workout calendar, make a nutrition plan to go with it, keep track of your progress. And grab a buddy! Need a buddy? I’ll be your buddy!

When you finish that “program” what happens? You do it again. By then you’ll probably even be a little excited about it. You print out another calendar, you plan your workouts, you take your measurements and pictures. Keep immersing yourself in the motivation by keeping up with positive people and reading positive things. Plan your favorite healthy meals and keep up with your food journal. Each day, your workout is as much a priority as taking a shower and brushing your teeth. This is a lifestyle. It’s not a fad, it’s not a diet. It’s your life- and it will bring so much more fulfillment and happiness than you could have imagined.

Do you have something you’d add to this list? Something that helps you stick with it?

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. If you’re looking for support please reach out! I’d love to help you find what clicks for you!

P.P.S. Share this post with a friend who’s struggling to get started!