Whether you’re already an avid gym-goer or a novice who just started working out, it’s always a good idea that you have the right outlook whenever you’re working out.
Going through the motions will sometimes do more harm than good. It’s always common to see even seasoned gym members compromise their form or do things haphazardly when they do their workout because they just consider everything as a routine. Others lose their motivation to get fit because they don’t have the right outlook.
So what are things that can make a huge difference in your outlook during your workout?
Find Something That’s Fun and Fulfilling
A lot of people decide to give up on their program because they no longer find it fulfilling or enjoyable. Some people find workouts to be a bit too boring. Imagine doing a 15 minute run on the treadmill every day for a few months now?
Once something gets stale, it’s time that you change things up. Instead of running on a treadmill, maybe you can try doing your cardio outdoors? Maybe a breath of fresh air can make things feel a bit different. But in case you are insistent on doing your cardio inside your home, then maybe do burpees, jumping jacks, and even do some skipping rope and alternate it with your running routine.
Use technology to stay active
You might think that technology made us lazy and inactive. Some people would spend hours on social media scrolling and refreshing their timeline for how many hours a day. Though technology can make us inactive, it can also be a tool to help drive your competitive side.
Runners tend to use apps to not only track but also compare how they’ve improved. At times, runners and bikers will compare their time against friends and people within their area. Nowadays, you can also get fitness trackers that can monitor how many steps you’ve taken throughout the day.
Find a Fitness Buddy
Humans are social animals. If you are already bored or exhausted in your workout, it might be a good idea to find a partner who can do the workouts with you. Michigan State University researchers discovered that those who have a partner tend to work out longer and harder than those who do their workouts alone.
It doesn’t have to be an actual partner right by your side. Those who have a virtual partner tend to hold a plank position 24% longer than those who don’t have a virtual partner. In addition to this, the ideal partner is someone who is in better shape than you. Perhaps, it might be a good time that you hire a trainer online and support your local gym?
Setting Small Achievable Goals Over Big Goals
Long-term goals can be intimidating. And at times, long-term goals may seem impossible especially if you’re only starting. That’s why celebrating small wins can help keep you going. Small goals are way more achievable. However, these small goals are important to achieve much larger goals.
Reaching X amount of miles for your weekly run or maybe finally getting bringing down your sugar consumption? These are reasons to celebrate.
Track your progress
Aside from having small and achievable goals, you also want to track your progress. You will have to make sure that you are making small but consistent steps forward. If done right, you’d be surprised by how much you’ve improved over the last days/weeks.
You can make use of apps or even your notebook to track how you’ve improved or if you lagged a bit over the last few days.
Give Yourself a Break Every Now and Then
You don’t expect yourself to be doing physical activities every day. You will need at least a day or two to recover. And given the reality that not everyone is a full-time athlete who can just spend most of his days recovering after a grueling workout, it’s not bad to give yourself the break you need.
In one study, it takes as much as 72 hours before your muscles can fully recover from a workout. Some studies would even point out that there are instances when it could even take up to a week. It’s going to depend on your age, nutrition, and the intensity of the exercise that you’re doing.
Learn how to cook healthy but tasty meals
Counting calories and counting macros is already complicated enough. Unfortunately, this turned nutrition into a monotonous routine rather than an activity that you can enjoy.
One of the biggest mistakes of people living an active lifestyle is that their recovery food feels like a punishment rather than a reward. If you know how to cook your own meals, might as well discover how you can cook tasty and highly nutritious meals. Also, remember to try different dishes in case you’ve been eating the same type of dish in the last few days.
Final Thoughts
Living an active lifestyle can be harder than you think especially if you can’t find the motivation to stay active. With these strategies, you might find yourself with a different kind of drive to hit your goals or even beat personal bests.