We all know the importance of getting regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, but it's easy not to, both on those days when we are feeling tired, or uninspired. So, how can we tackle the feelings of a lack of motivation?

Here are some good tips:

Make exercise fun

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to find an activity that you enjoy. If you find an exercise boring, repetitive or not suited to you, it stands to reason you are much less likely to keep it up.

It's good to think about the types of movement that you've always enjoyed, such as dancing, swimming or maybe running and centre your exercise routine around those. If you exercise at home try to keep things new and interesting by mixing up your exercise equipment and workouts. Having an exercise playlist is a good idea too.

Create a routine

Once you have a good exercise routine, you'll find it much easier to stay motivated. You don't need to exercise every day, instead, think about those days where you have the time to exercise and build a routine around those days.

Be realistic

Try to be realistic with your goals, as well as your exercise routine. If your goal is too big, you can quickly feel overwhelmed and demotivated. It is always best to aim for something more achievable, especially when starting out. For example, you could aim to run two miles by the end of the summer, or aim to cycle further or faster on your exercise bike every week.

Give yourself a reward

If you have a reward to focus on, you're more likely to stay motivated to exercise. It doesn't have to be anything big, just a little reward that is symbolic of meeting your goal. It could be a new pair of trainers, or even a meal out with friends. Make a promise, that you'll treat yourself, once you've established your exercise routine, or achieved a certain goal.

Source: https://www.exercise.co.uk

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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2 comments on “Tips for a Successful Exercise Routine”

  1. I think even the keenest exercisers need motivating every once in a while and this blog is full of straightforward advice.

    For those of us who probably need a good kick up the backside to exercise, the advice is just what we need - simple and to the point.

    1. Thank you. Yes, I wish I loved exercise more. With a physical disability it's not so easy because when I did exercise, I could never see the physical benefits.

      I agree with you, if you're not keen or enthusiastic about exercise, motivation absolutely helps. I go for walks mostly, but in the pandemic in the early days getting out of the house mentally wasn't easy.

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