Did you make a commitment that this year would be different? I know I did. I set goals that I would be able to fit into a pair of jeans that I have not worn in years, and that I would lose a set amount of weight. This is your time to make it happen.
Real talk is that nothing will change, if nothing changes. Which means you have to make the changes.
So, if you are serious, like me changes have to be made. I had to have a mental shift in order to for this to be successful.
It’s easy to start a lifestyle of fitness. What’s difficult is how to be consistent with it. Most people would spend money to enroll in gym memberships or buy that fitness equipment only to quit as soon as they start. Either they are too busy that they couldn’t no longer find time to keep it going or they quickly lose their interest due to lack of motivation.
Write It Down
Set some fitness goals and write them on paper. Putting them down on paper gives them more meaning than just saying things to yourself. Be specific and realistic with your goals. Just saying I will work out does not work for most people. Write it down on paper. I will start working out in a gym next week, 3 times a week, Monday…Wednesday…and Friday, before work for 30 minutes. Start slow and simple. Setting unrealistic goals may lead to disappointment and frustration.
Setting aside a specific regular time for your fitness regimen is important to keep your enthusiasm going. The number one reason why most people, especially women, don’t exercise is because they’re too busy doing things for other people: their spouse, their kids, their boss. Make a plan or schedule for all the little stumbling blocks that usually get in the way and incorporate your time for exercise into your daily routine. Be sure to follow it and stick to it.
Group Workouts
Treat exercise as a social event by joining a group or being with a workout buddy. Camaraderie helps in keeping the spirits up. There are some many places that do group exercise for this main reason. It is really easy to stay motivated when you work out with a group. I love doing group workouts. Have you tried Burn Bootcamp, Orange Theory, or Soul Cycle?
I also like using family time a lot of fun by playing catch or kick with your kids, or swimming together in a lake or pool. Or boot camp at the local park is a great motivation.
Change It Up
Change up the routine can help, such as working on several activities during the week will help develop different sets of muscles and skills. While athletes do this for cross-training, one doesn’t have to be in training to enjoy the benefits of mixing different sports, such as running, biking, and swimming. I enjoy have set days where, I work out different muscle groups.
Eating Habits
When fatigue interferes with your desire to workout, something may be wrong with your eating habits. Eating small meals frequently throughout the day is much better than skipping a meal, say lunch, and then eat a big dinner. Starving yourself affects your brain and leads to fatigue. However, eating too much at once slows your metabolism and makes you feel sloppy. On the other hand, eating frequently keeps your blood sugar level constant and maintains your energy level up.
Rewards
I have set up monthly rewards for myself for working out and meeting my goals. Treat yourself with rewards whenever you complete a cycle of your schedule, say every month, buy yourself something to encourage you for your effort. I have seen people putting a small amount of money in a jar every time they work out. At the end of the year, use that collected cash to buy something just for you.
Stay Consistent
Being consistent helps you become motivated. And the more you exercise, the easier it gets. I have also told myself that if I’m consistent, I am also practicing discipline. Discipline is better than motivation.
By making small changes with your schedule and goals, you will not only see changes with your physical body, but also your mentally. This has to be a commitment that you keep for yourself.
Here are some great workouts for women over 4o or maybe try some of these Youtube workouts.
