I used to get odd looks when I asked people this question (when I worked in big chain gyms).
“Why are you training right now?”
The answer was either: “To lose weight” or “You’re supposed to”.
Not exactly the most inspiring reasons to work out, especially when you don’t feel like it!
And when fitness begins to lose it’s shine after a few weeks, when enthusiasm dims, it’s usually the end. Until the next time you become motivated again.
I love this quote: “Motivation is what you do when you feel like it. Discipline is doing it, regardless of how you feel.”
To be disciplined, you HAVE to have a *really, really, REALLY* good reason to do it!
Here are some the reasons I make exercise a non-negotiable:
- I’m a more positive, nicer person when I exercise
- I find ‘good’ habits easier to follow
- I find it easier to avoid ‘bad’ habits
- I have a reputation for being fit – can’t stop now!
- My children are watching. Be the role model.
- My confidence peaks when I’m consistent.
- I’m STILL able to lift things easily (some aren’t)
- I want to avoid a care home.
- I want to climb trees, hike, swim with my grandkids
- I want to be able to holiday – anywhere!
- I feel proud that I’ll be 80 and still going.
I literally FEEL these reasons when I’m lifting weights. I can literally FEEL the changes in my mentality and physicality. I see every workout as a building block, supporting my later life. A deposit in the Bank of Health.
Do I feel like it all the time?? Come on. I’m human. Sometimes getting up and out is the last thing on my mind. But I know that just starting a 40-45 min workout – will change my day completely.
Reframing exercise like this, really will help you to get you up on a gloomy winter’s morning from a warm bed.
Give yourself a brilliant reason to exercise, keep thinking about it, become more disciplined – and rely less on the incredibly unreliable force of …… motivation!
(Of course our community at our personal training gym in Ely means you’re never alone!) 🙂
