Get up and Shape up--5 Ways to Motivate yourself to Exercise

Getting in that 30 minutes of exercise each day is on the top of your priorities list, right? With a fast-paced society that appears to be getting faster, exercising is on the decline and obesity rates are soaring. According to the latest study by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 42 percent of young adults don’t exercise enough—and the numbers increase as age increases. By following these simple tips, getting motivated to achieve the recommended daily amount can be easy!


1. Take it slow
It’s been said before, but starting out slow and easy when first exercising is the best route to success. Starting off by walking for a half hour for the first week will help your mind and body adjust to activities you aren’t used to doing. Eventually, you will build a base and add onto your workout slowly. April Boutler, Fitness Program Coordinator at Loyola University Chicago, suggested walking eight to ten minutes before and after an intense running session. “Your body needs time to adapt to change,” Boutler said.


2. Make it fun
Nobody ever said exercising is supposed to be boring (and if it is, you may be operating the treadmill wrong). There are plenty of enjoyable activities that count as exercise. Walking around the city for 30-60 minutes is physical activity, and so is ice skating and dancing. Sports such as tennis, swimming and basketball are healthy forms of exercise too. “Find something that works for you,” Boutler added. “Don’t be afraid to go outside the box [as well].” Check at your local fitness center for traditional or innovative programs that grab your interest.


3. Do it with a friend
Of course, exercising with someone also makes things more interesting. Attempting to work out solo may be intimidating for a beginner, especially when surrounded by Barbie dolls and Fabios in the making. Get a group together and schedule days to go to the gym or participate in classes like kickboxing and yoga. “You’re accountable not only for yourself but you’re accountable for somebody else as well,” said Boutler. It also might make for good conversations or ranting sessions later.


4. Mix things up
Doing the same routine everyday is a sure-fire way to eliminate continuous motivation. So, if you’re going to the gym, try new equipment you’ve never used before (but make sure you know how to use it before you try it). A class or sport is a healthy alternative to working on a machine or jogging the same path every week. Boutler suggests group fitness activities because you get a sample of different types of exercises, and there are always people there to help you and guide you.


5. Remember it’s good for your brain too
The next day (or even hour) after working out, you may be thinking: “why am I doing this?” Besides keeping your heart, muscles and joints in shape, physical activity affects your mood. According to a recent online poll, 74 percent of people who exercise actually feel better mentally afterwards. “After a while, they’ll feel like they really like that feeling,” Boutler said. “They’ll feel like they’ve accomplished something.”

Photo Credit: Bill Cooke/Associated Press