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getting Motivated, and gaining energy

Getting Started Toward Boundless Energy and Health!

Peggy Bray MA.WMS
brayfitusa.com

It has been proven time and again that regular exercise increases your energy, vitality and mood. In fact most studies report that it takes as little as 20-30 minutes of exercise a day to reap these rewards. A mild exercise routine can even do its part to fight mild depression. The more you work-out, run, walk, bike, hike, surf, kayak, or whatever you choose to do, the more alive you will feel, and the more you will want to continue doing some form of blood pumping activity.

However, just as regular exercise creates an upward spiral of good spirits and tons of energy, not getting any or enough exercise can toss you into a pit of low energy and little motivation. So what do you do when you've hit a slump, haven't worked out in while and are having a hard time even scrounging up enough energy just to get out of bed in the morning? Here's some basic tips...

Make it easy on yourself! Keep hand weights out where you can see them...next to your bed or in the bathroom so you can get your blood moving first thing in the morning or in the living room next to the TV remote, or anywhere you find yourself vegging out after work or on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Another way to make your workout more bearable is to get a partner. If you're like me, it's easier to get going when someone else is counting on me to be there. This makes it more difficult to tell myself I don't have time or I don't feel like working out. Get a friend, neighbor or spouse to go to the gym with you, take a brisk walk throughout the neighborhood, or a run on the beach.

Check bulletin boards at your gym for others looking for work-out partners, join a local active fitness club or some sports/activity organization for weekend hikes, or take a class like surfing or Tae Kwan Do.

If you do take a class be sure you pay in advance to guarantee that you will be there getting your money's worth! It will make YOU more accountable.

Making your personal fitness a priority is also an important factor, not only in getting started, but also in keeping it going. If you've got too much on your plate, it might be necessary to turn down offers to happy hour or dinners out, if it means having time to work out. To keep things social, propose healthy alternatives to your friends, like a picnic on the beach, or an evening stroll on a mountain trail before going back to your place for dinner.

It's also important in the beginning not to set your goals too high when starting a fitness program. If you've told yourself you have to run ten miles every day, no wonder you're not doing it! If you have to, start by walking a mile and work your way up to running two, maybe three times a week. Don't push yourself so hard that you feel daunted by the task, or you will not be looking forward to it.

Last but not least, if you are inexperienced and need instruction, don't be afraid to ask questions. Consider a personal trainer. Find someone who is interested in your personal needs and goals, not someone who will hand you a cookie cutter workout. Make sure the workout schedules that are tailored to meet your specific fitness goals, and can work within the realm of any physical or health limitations you might have. Your trainer should gain as much information as possible regarding your goals, health and experience , and provide you with constant feedback, instruction and motivation.

Most importantly... Have fun and live fit!

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Copyright Peggy Bray 2002
Peggy Bray is an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and is a Weight Management Specialist. In an effort to reach out to even more people seeking to better their lives, Peggy co-founded brayfitusa.com, a fat loss support program dedicated to helping those lose weight realistically and effectively.