8 Ways to Motivate Yourself in ‘08

8 Ways to Motivate Yourself in ‘08
by: Lyle Johnson
2007-12-02 16:38
But as time moves on, instead of your weight and inches dropping your gym attendance drops.

The year 2008 is just a few days away.  Fitness gyms across the country will be filled with people who want to make a drastic change - lose weight, tone muscle, burn fat and increase their energy. 

For the first two weeks of the New Year, gyms are packed with hundreds of people working out and getting in shape.  But as time moves on, instead of your weight and inches dropping your gym attendance drops.

Staying with a fitness program is the hard part, stopping a fitness program is the easy part. Here are eight ways to keep you motivated throughout the year to “lose that stubborn weight in ’08.”

1. Write Down Your Goals.  - The purpose of writing down your goals on paper or on the computer has a dramatic influence on whether you achieve your goal. When you write down your goals, a part of your brain gets activated and you start becoming accountable for your goal.  A great software tool to use for goal setting is www.mygoals.com
   
   
2. Find a Workout Partner – A recent study from efitnesstracker.com states working out with others will get you about 43% faster results!!!
   
   
3. Make a Workout Journal. - Keep a journal of how you feel after exercise.  Especially the great workouts. On the days you just don't feel like exercising, look back on the good workout days for some inspiration.
   
   
4. Download Some High, Energy Workout Songs on Your I pod. - Your favorite choice of music can help you train better.  One of my favorite is an old school artist who happens to be one of my clients, A’ngela Winbush.
   
   
5. Reward Yourself. - Whenever you reach a milestone, have something in mind, like a new wardrobe or a trip to the spa.
   
   
6. Train for a 5K Race. – This is a great way to increase your endurance and at the same time boost your confidence because of the great accomplishment.
   
   
7. Write Out a “Things To Do” List Everyday. – A Things to Do List keeps you on track, especially with your busy work schedule and other family duties. Plus, it will also give you a sense of accomplishment.
   
   
8. Ask “What If?” – You own it to yourself to get in shape. Are you ready to suffer the consequences of poor health? 

You may be skeptical and a bit on the conservative side about my motivational tips, but think about this - if you keep doing the same things over and over again - you'll only succeed in getting the same results.

Look at it this way – sticking with your exercise program is really a painless drop in the bucket compared to the money you could spend on doctor visits this year. That's why you really can’t afford not to invest in the most important investment of all – YOU.  Happy Holidays!!!!

  Lyle Johnson is a Certified Personal Trainer and the owner of MVP Fitness, located in St. Louis.  Visit www.mvpfitness.net  to download a copy of the MVP Boot Camp 4 Minute Ab Workout.