Have you started and stopped many exercise programs before? What can you do to feel more motivated to exercise regularly?
If this question rings a bell, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Here’s what I have to say about how to stay motivated to exercise.
In life, we don’t usually stay motivated unless we’re feeling encouraged and are enjoying what we’re doing. So, first and foremost, choose safe ways to move your body that feel good to YOU, and surround yourself with positive, uplifting support. Having both of these essential components as part of your wellness program will help you to feel more naturally inspired to get up and get moving as a gift to yourself.
Following these core guidelines, I have dramatically improved my own wellness through the years, which is why I am so passionate about my fitness work with older adults. In my classes, you will be supported in tuning into your body and doing what is right for you in the moment. You will not be pushed into fitness; that is not my style. I believe that approach works against people in the long run. Kindness is the key.
What Are Your Expectations?
If you are expecting your body to do more than it is ready to do then you will very quickly become discouraged. Begin where you are and practice accepting yourself as you take one step at a time. Many people project into the future and tell themselves that they’ll only feel happy when they’ve accomplished this or that first. My suggestion is that you dare to let yourself feel good NOW. This is such a powerful exercise in itself.
All of the best of our wellness is actually accessible to us in the moment through how we treat ourselves mentally and emotionally. In fact, learning to direct our thoughts and therefore our feelings is one of the most powerful ways to transform ourselves. Our thoughts affect our feelings and our feelings affect our actions. You will discover that you actually WANT to take better care of yourself when you’re focused on thoughts that help you feel good NOW. For example, rather than criticizing yourself for your perceived flaws, tune into what you love about your yourself.
What are you proud of? Acknowledge how far you’ve come in life. Revel in the magnificent beauty of nature. Be grateful for being ALIVE, learning and growing. Be amazed at what a miracle your body actually is. Enjoy taking a deep breath and letting it go. Explore moving as a way of feeling your own presence and life energy. Thank your body for all that it does for you. Tune into what you appreciate and enjoy in life.
Tap Into Your Natural Momentum
Also, when creating your fitness goals make sure to include how you want to be feeling as a result of accomplishing them. For example, don’t just want to lose weight; also be wanting to feel genuinely great (or free or lighter or however YOU want to be feeling). And then find ways to feel that way NOW. You will be amazed at the momentum that you can activate within yourself when you start looking for ways to feel good now. Celebrate and appreciate what your body CAN do now.
Build on your successes. Don’t waste your time or energy punishing yourself for your mistakes or weaknesses. Instead, redirect that energy to forgiveness and constructive, positive support. Pick yourself up and move forward. In life, what we reinforce mentally and emotionally grows stronger. You deserve respect, appreciation, acknowledgment and encouragement from others and from YOURSELF. No exceptions! And this is what you’ll receive from me and others in my classes, so if you live in Marin County, CA, put on your sneakers and come join the fun!
Wherever you may live, do something invigorating and nurturing for yourself today! (My intention is to eventually post brief exercise videos on this site. I’ll keep you informed by way of my Youthful Hearts Email Newsletter, which you can sign up for at the top right this page.)
What do you feel good about today? Let us know by leaving a comment below.