AU
Finding the motivation to train can be tricky in the current environment. With the closure of gyms, beaches, outdoor training areas, and the recommendation to #stayhome as much as possible, motivation can just about go out the window!! I want my #LSFbabes to feel like you’ve conquered this weird time, instead of looking back and feeling like it was a waste! Here are my top tips to get you in the right mindset!
Write out your goals
A lot of us have an idea of where we want to be but don’t really know quite how to get there. Mapping out your goals can be an excellent way to keep track of your progress. Set small goals so you can celebrate the little victories along the way! I like to set out my goals using the SMART acronym (I have a full blog going into detail on this here). Using this acronym each goal needs to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time bound. I love this winning combination for setting goals, it can really help you to feel more motivated being able to recognise goals you can reach.
Find a program you enjoy
Choosing a form of exercise that you enjoy is half the motivation battle. If you enjoy the exercise you do, you’ll be a lot more accountable / adherent to the program.I love resistance based training whether that be with weights, resistance bands or even body weight. This type of training is versatile and can be adapted to suit your personal situation. If you love this type of training and are looking to further progress your home training try my new shred at home program. It’ll help you get the most out of your workout!
Staying connected with friends
Logging your weekly workouts with your friends will not only help to keep you all on track, but also is a good way to stay connected! If your friend has just smashed a workout it might inspire you to get moving as well! The key to this, is checking in with others without comparing yourself to them. Remember, this is your fitness journey, everyone else may be on different phases of their own individual fitness journey. If you find yourself getting into this negative mindset, look back at how far you’ve come. Even if it is just little steps in the right direction, you deserve praise for this!
Let go of guilt
So you skipped a workout this week, or you ate a little bit too much yesterday. Let it go girl! Today is a new day to start fresh. Disconnecting from the feeling of guilt will serve you much better than beating yourself up for days. You can’t do anything about the past, but you can change the future. Be kind to yourself and accept your journey, it may look different to others but you will get there. Health and fitness isn’t a short term goal, it’s something that needs to be worked on as part of a lifestyle. I am the perfect example of this. I’ve worked so hard over the past many years, and still life throws at me challenges that force me to adapt to the situation. I’m forever working on my health and fitness journey, just like all of my #LSFbabes!
Mood benefits
It’s easy to get into a negative frame of mind when there’s so much crazy stuff happening in the world around us!! Getting caught up in the news can bring anxiety and fear that can wreak havoc on our moods. Instead of thinking of exercise as a chore remember all of the positive benefits it brings for mood. Exercise can help you to produce more serotonin; a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood and reward. It can also help you to release more endorphins; chemicals that act as natural happiness boosters! So next time you’re feeling a little low or overwhelmed, give exercise a try and see how you feel afterwards. Even a 20 minute session can help to improve your mood! Try a workout from my SHRED AT HOME.
Keep yourself accountable
Letting others know your goals and what you’re working towards can help you to keep accountable with yourself. It also gives others the opportunity to check in and see how you’re going. If you keep things fully to yourself, this gives you the opportunity to renege on your goals, as no one would know they were there in the first place! So tell people! Whether that be your family, friends, partner, or even people on social media You’ll find your mindset and motivation to achieve your goals will be better than ever!
Take photos!
In all of my challenges and programs I encourage my #LSFbabes to take progress photos. Our bodies can change slowly over time, and sometimes it can be hard to notice the changes when we see our bodies every day. Taking progress photos can allow us to look back and see the small or more subtle changes in our physique that we may have not even realised had changed. Taking these kinds of photos can also act as a record for us to look back over many years to keep track of our individual journey.
So ladies, these are my handy little tips to help get you motivated and in the right mindset to smash your training goals over this isolation period! I hope they help you to get started today! Let me know on socials your favourite ways to get motivated, I’d love to know.
