Fitness Motivation : 6 Simple Steps to the Point of No Return

It’s too easy to give up a new exercise program when you don’t seem to be getting results but please don’t let unrealistic expectations about changing your shape and fitness level within a few days get the better of you.

Results CAN be truly remarkable within a few weeks – but you have to be a little patient with yourself if you are trying to reach that next level in your fitness goals or even to go from a complete standing start to super lean and fit.

A shiny new exercise program or workout routine IS often the best way to jump start your achievement. You just have to give it time to work its magic.

I have seen people have results within a week and I have seen others have a wait a month for similar results. Some of that has to do with the effort put into a fitness program or with the choice of program but in some cases it’s just that our bodies are all different and so is their response to any particular exercise regime.

The guy lifting mega weights at the gym is not you. And you probably haven’t been into a dozen sports since the age of 6 like the girl at the pool. You have your own body, preferences and capabilities so work with them and avoid comparing notes with anyone else.

The important thing is to get to your individual point of no return – the point where you start to see your hard work IS worth it and you decide that you want your new level of fitness to become part of your life. You need to reach that place well before the point where you decide to jack it all in and give up on your new program.

To increase your chance of success give yourself time…

Have no expectations for 1 to 2 months – just decide to do the program no matter what and then review it
Have an open mind – just see the program as a 30-day or 60 day experiment in looking and feeling good. Be curious about the results
Schedule your sessions so they fit into your day – if possible complete them first thing in the morning before your life has a chance to get in the way
Don’t be resentful about the time and effort – look at your fitness sessions as giving your body a treat and spending time focusing on you
Choose an exercise program that fits into your lifestyle rather than one which you will continually struggle with. If it helps join a health club or gym near your office or home – whichever will be most convenient or work out at home if that suits you better
if you doubt your ability to stick with the program get a personal trainer or partner to keep you accountable

Those who have reached the other side of this “motivation divide” and know how it feels and could tell you that the effort is SO worth it. In fact, you have probably heard quite a lot from them already. The problem is you don’t really “get it” until you experience it for yourself. So make sure you give yourself enough of a chance to find out how good being fit and getting in shape feels.

December 14, 2007 | Filed Under Fitness Motivation