Finding and Maintaining the Motivation to Exercise

How will you ever find the motivation to exercise unless you are looking for it? Something that will convince one person to put down the bag of chips and get off the couch might not have any effect on someone else. Realizing the benefits to be gained is good enough for some whereas others must be scared into doing something.

Starting a new, active healthier lifestyle is something you do for yourself, like making an investment in the future that will ensure that you live to see your senior years and that your senior years are spent doing what you like.

I bet you know someone who dropped dead within a short time after retirement, having spent their whole life working and saving and looking forward to the "Golden Years" but ignoring their most important asset...their health.

Here are some positive motivational tips to exercise.

SET GOALS - Make sure the goal is realistic and when you reach your goal, set a new goal to take you to the next level.

TAKE A PICTURE - Place a picture of how you currently look and place it somewhere you can't miss seeing it everyday. Hang up a new picture every 4 weeks. The changes you see and the positive comments from your supporters will provide gobs of motivation.

THINK OF ALL THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE - Increased energy, self-esteem and control over your life. Reduced chances of heart attack, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and stress.

FIND A BUDDY - Meeting and working out with a friend, especially one who is at the same age as you, will improve your attitude. You will begin to rely on each other for moral support and accountability.

DO SOMETHING YOU LIKE -  The gym isn't for everyone, so if you like bike riding, roller blading, tennis (you get the idea), go for it. Make it fun and it won't seem like a chore, but be sure to do something everyday.

What do you do to stay motivated? Would love to hear your tips!