5 ways to get motivated to work out

The lifestyle we choose shapes us completely
in mind, body and spirit. And only you can choose
this lifestyle for yourself!

We all know that being active is good for you. The doctors say it, your mother has said it when you were young, and you really do know it in fact, there’s probably some type of exercising tool buried in the closet as proof. You know you want to do it! But finding the right mind set is often the real hard work!

Once you take some steps, and I mean real baby steps, you will find that it’s not really all that hard. It doesn’t have to cost you anything. And your body, inside and out, will really thank you for it. You’ll see it yourself ~ first with a bigger smile on your face and an air of happiness all around you – no one will know what’s making you glow so much!

Exercise is the key for a healthier happier YOU! Along with healthy foods, it is the building block of a healthy strong woman.

But I realize that adding exercise or some fitness routine into our busy days, just isn’t easy for some. We all need motivation and inspiration to help push us to a better life. A life with incredible rewards ~ with reduced stress, increased energy, better sleep, healthier and leaner body, a better self-image, better sex-life, and  so much more.

So, are you with me? Are you joining me in working out more? Let’s get motivated first:

5 Ways to Get Motivated to Work Out!

Five real-life tips for all women!
You will sparkle with positive energy and happiness!
Putting you in charge and giving you lots of energy, drive, and courage!

1. Visualize & Get Inspired

Visualize the person you want to be! Close your eyes or stand in front of the mirror and picture yourself the person you want to be ~ all the way up to a bigger smile on your face. Now freeze that image in your head and tell yourself your goal. In my case: “I want a tighter butt and a firmer stomach”! (was my magic mirror wish). Now keep that visual in your mind and refer to it as often as you can. Telling yourself “I will be this person”.

Find a physical reminder of your new goal to work out more that are clear to see and will inspire you! For me it’s from Charlize Theron hiding in my own bathroom cubby to wow me every time I glance at her. (I’ll try to add a photo of that!) Posting a photo of a woman you aspire to is a wonderful thing. If she radiates in a positive way and appeals to you as someone you’d be inspired by – pin her up! (your partner will probably appreciate it too ;)  Also, dusting off the treadmill (if you have one), or a set of dumb bells and your yoga mat and placing them in a convenient spot that makes you notice them (but doesn’t create cutter) will drive up the excitement to reach for them and start your workout.

Don’t have any idea where to start? Just play music loud and dance – dancing and jumping and waving your arms and twisting your body ~ will be equivalent to a workout! Be creative and have fun!

For inspirational workouts, check out YouTube for some amazing videos that are easy to follow right at home. My own inspirational gal is Zuzana Light – watch her channel here for her ZWOW workouts! (I’m not on her level – at all. LOL). but I find she still inspires me to push myself further and carry out a great workout with much smaller weights.

2. Keep it a Secret

This is very controversial – some say announcing your goal to everyone is the way to go – I say, keeping it a secret is better! After all, you’re not doing this to anyone but yourself. You’re not out there to impress anyone – only You! Sure your significant other can be in on the secret (I’ll bet that will inspire him to join you) but other than don’t go announcing it too much. (you don’t even need to blog about it). Because, your own pace will decide on the progress you will take – it’s not the same for everyone. You may struggle more, you may give up for a few days. Keep focused that you are doing this for yourself and you won’t need any explanations for anyone. Besides, it will be the best compliment, when a friend you haven’t seen in a while notices something different about you and says “You Look Great”!

3. Setting the Mood

Ok, most of us don’t have a fancy gym in our house. We barely have any room at all that would feel motivating to do a workout. So what do you do? Did you know that you don’t really need a lot of room to have a workout right at home. Find a room that is clutter (and toy) free, bright and energizing (preferably not a room that’s painted a dark colour). Create some space around you – if it means you need to move an arm chair out of you way – do it. Schedule something in when the house is empty or at least you get some uninterrupted time.

Music really sets the mood for a workout! Play something upbeat, happy and loud! And most importantly you love and feel good listening to it. “I like how it feels” by Enrique Iglesias is my song currently that just gets me in the mood!

Is it nice outside? Then dress in your sporty clothes and put your shoes on – and go for a speed walk, a hike, a bike ride – if you’re a beginner, than jogging would be further down the list – but definitely introduce it for even 5 minutes if your strength and energy is good.

4. Start Small

Do you have 10 minutes right now? An intense 10 minute workout with a few sets of dumbbells, some cardio, ab crunches, lunges – Yes, all in 10 minutes will tone you in the right places and boost your energy! Devote only 10 minutes per day as a start – if it feels good – continue for even an hour. Work at your own comfortable level and pace. Rest when you need it but for the 10 minutes aim for a high-intensity workout! That’s the best kind to burn those calories and trim those inches off your body.

Every day is a new beginning! Even after a few workouts you could have a meltdown of energy – keep in mind that every day is a new beginning! You can always start again – and again if you have a rough day and can’t commit right away. Just know that anything is better than nothing ~ and a 3-5 short but vigorous exercises are more beneficial than two hours of mild exercise. So go, push yourself!

5. Healthy Body needs Healthy Food

If you’ve set your mind to working hard on your new goal to exercise more – than you better reward your body with good things. Your body will not want any junk food ~ your body will want fresh veggies, lean protein (preferably plant-based). You need to feed your body balanced meals and vitamin and mineral rich foods. Don’t forget to drink lots of water between your meals and while you work out to stay hydrated.

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS & WORKING OUT

From personal experience, I have seen how a lifestyle and diet change can really transform your life. I actually can’t believe that once upon a time I could not hold a spoon to my mouth and could only walk with support. Now I’m craving a good workout and I can speed walk so fast my butt burns! It makes me feel amazing and gives me this fabulous energy I’ve never had before!

Myasthenia Gravis friends, you also need to work on your muscles even if you feel very weak. Start on small exercises on a mat or make sure you hold onto something sturdy when you do exercises standing up, like a sofa or table. I started doing many of my workouts near a bed, in case I fell. Time your medication so that you’re working out at its peak. Usually 1 hour after you take them. Include a variety of exercises with 3-5 lbs dumbbells. Don’t over do it and remember to rest a lot.

These 5 ways to get motivated to work out, certainly help me and I do hope they will help you too continue on finding a fitness routine that you’re comfortable with.

So what works for you? What motivates you to get a good workout and to stick to it?