Getting Back in Shape: How to Always Stay Super Motivated

Working out is something so many people struggle with.

You might go into an exercise routine, gung-ho about getting back into shape, only to fall off the bandwagon yet again. So, what gives? Why can’t you stick with it?

John C Maxwell, an American author and speaker, once said,

Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing.

In other words, you can only truly rely on motivation at the start. After that, it’s all about learning how to stay self-disciplined. 

At the same time, it helps to have positive thoughts regarding exercise and fitness that you can fall back on when that negative voice creeps in. And this is exactly what we’re going to explore in this article. So, let’s dive in. How can you stick with your exercise routine and obtain optimal health?

5 Benefits to Creating Positivity Around Exercise

A lot of individuals get into fitness to improve how they look. And it’s completely okay to want to change that. However, it’s easy to throw in the towel when results don’t immediately present themselves. 

So, let’s twist this common dialogue around a bit… What other reasons are there to workout on a regular basis?

1. You’ll Feel More Energized.

Here’s the thing: When it comes to exercise, you definitely want to listen to your body. If you feel physically exhausted, small and gentle movements are probably best when compared to going full-throttle in the gym.

But here’s the other thing… Even small movements can have big impacts, including helping you feel more energized. Various research has even indicated the importance of physical activity in elevating energy levels.

Not feeling it? Do some gentle stretching or a few balance exercises. Or simply go for a walk around the block.

Exercise doesn’t always mean something intense.

It’s more just about moving your body and getting your blood flowing a bit more than if you were sitting. 

Related Article: 4 Scientific Reasons Why Moving Your Body Boosts Your Mental State

2. You’ll Be in a Better Mood Afterwards.

It’s rare to hear someone say they felt awful after a workout. In fact, usually, this means something else is going on, like they are actually fighting off an underlying cold or flu. And in this case, rest really is best.

However, various evidence shows how exercise boosts mood, even reducing your risk of depression and anxiety.

In other words, feeling low should motivate you to move a bit more since it’s scientifically-proven that exercise will help (I actually use this all the time! And yes, it’s an internal battle, but once I get moving, there’s a clear winner.).

The truth is that our feelings aren’t always accurate.

Marisa Peer, renowned therapist and author, frequently reinforces the idea that our thoughts create our feelings and our feelings lead to our actions or behaviors. Thus, if you shift your thoughts around, you can change your feelings.

Convincing yourself that exercise will make you feel better is part of this!

3. You’ll Feel Less Stressed.

In today’s modern society, stress is an epidemic of sorts. In fact, some experts argue that stress is driving ill health and obesity (it’s not just all about what we’re eating or how much). 

Interestingly, studies further show how regular exercise can improve mental resiliency to acute stress. With regular movement (big or small), you might just become better equipped at handling stress.

Additionally, the endorphins released during exercise are known to help boost your mood and combat stress.

Related Article: 12 Ways to Develop a Healthy Mindset

4. You’ll Reduce Your Risk of Various Chronic Diseases.

If there’s any reason you should stick with a regular exercise routine, it’s preventative measures. Sedentary behavior is associated with many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and more.

Participating in about 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week significantly reduces your risk. In other words, you live a longer and healthier life.

5. You Might Just Sleep Better.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, exercise helps you fall asleep faster and improves sleep quality. It even decreases insomnia.

When you sleep better, you feel better. You feel more focused. You feel happier and more confident. So many good physiological and psychological things come from a good sleep. And exercise is a powerful tool to help you obtain a better sleep.

Building Your Self-Discipline Muscle

So, we’ve got some positive thoughts to fuel our motivation for exercise. But what about developing that self-discipline we talked about earlier? Here are a few tips:

• Remind yourself of your WHY. 
• Set a time for exercise, then take action.
• Keep your goals where you can see them.
• Prioritize. 
• Buddy up for accountability.
• Note where you tend to fall off the bandwagon and come up with viable solutions to overcome these barriers.

Working Out Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore!

Nor does it have to feel like a form of self-punishment. In reality, it can be a way to show yourself a little self-care. And remember, exercise doesn’t have to be extreme or hours upon hours in the gym.

Even 10 minutes or 20 minutes here and there can help you obtain a better state of health, physically and mentally, leading to a better life. Small movements are always better than none at all!

Read Next: How to Get the Most Out of Your Workout Routine

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels