3 Steps to Stay Motivated While Exercising & Losing Weight

It’s the 3rd week of January and there are already a lot of people that have already given up on trying to lose weight. Probably the number one New Year’s Resolution is “I want to get into shape” and people will always start off the year strong. They will do everything right. They will make it to every workout but eventually you start to lose their motivation. The question that I get all the time is “How can I stay motivated to work out?”

To be honest, there is no way for someone else to motivate you. It’s either want it or you don't want it. Either you are going to do it or you won't do it. Sorry to tell you this but there is no one else can force you to do something. Motivation is purely within yourself. However, what I do want to do is go over a 3-step process that you can ask yourself and maybe it will help you get into shape:

WHAT: What is it do you want to do? Do you want to lose weight or do you want to build muscle? You need to set a goal and that needs to be your main focus throughout.

WHY: Why do you want to lose weight? What are the reasons you want to get into shape? You have to have a reason for your goal because it will make it a lot easier to accomplish. If there is a reason like “I wanted to build muscle”, but if I didn't have a reason for wanting to build muscle then it would be a lot harder to stay motivated. With everything in life, have a reason behind your actions!

WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO SACRIFICE: This may be the hardest out of the 3 steps but I feel is the most important. And that is what are you willing to give up so you can reach your goal? For example, some of things that you might have to give up is just junk food, fatty desserts, and even thought late night drunken binge eating at Jack in the Box. Whatever it is that is holding you back, you have to be willing to make some sacrifices to move forward.

And there you have it! So, if your New Year's Resolution was wanting to get into shape and you’ve already starting to lose motivation, really ask yourself those three questions. I hope it helps to motivate you but like I said, there is nothing that I or anyone else in the world can do to motivate you except YOU. Yes, other people can kind of inspire you and you can look up to someone else as a role model, but there's no way for someone else to make you do something. Your reasons might be to get into shape to try to impress the ladies. Even though that is the wrong reason to get in shape, but if that motivates you do it, then go for it!

Anyways, hope you guys learned something. If you want to be updated every time new posts come out, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list. Till next time, stay SHREDDED.

Tips to Stay Motivated

Here are some additional tips to stay motivated with diet and exercise:

• Set specific goals - having a clear target keeps you focused and driven. Track progress to stay on course.
• Make a public commitment - tell friends and family about your goals to hold yourself accountable.
• Find a workout buddy - having a partner provides social support and encouragement.
• Mix up your routine - beat boredom by changing up workouts, activities, music playlists.
• Track and celebrate small wins - recognize milestones like pounds lost or running a new distance.
• Focus on how you feel - note the mental clarity, energy level and sense of accomplishment.
• Envision your best self - visualize how you'll look and feel when you reach your goals.
• Make it enjoyable - do activities you like and listen to motivating music while exercising.
• Be patient and consistent - change takes time; persist through plateaus or bad days.
• Get quality sleep - being well rested improves motivation and workout performance.

Overcoming Obstacles

Despite best intentions, there will be days you feel unmotivated. Identify why and course correct:

• Feeling tired or sore? Take an extra rest day.
• Too busy or stressed? Schedule workouts in advance and reduce commitments.
• Losing sight of your goals? Review your reasons and re-establish targets.
• Finding workouts monotonous? Try a fun new class or challenge.
• Lacking energy? Check nutrition and recovery habits.
• Injured or ill? Let your body fully heal. Modify if needed.
• Struggling with cravings? Plan smarter food choices and portion control.

With self-awareness and flexibility, you can overcome any challenge that arises while staying motivated for fitness success!

Louis Ha

Bring The Shreds was founded by Louis Ha.

Louis is an online fitness coach and entrepreneur based in the Bay Area.