groupfitness.org: Motivational Ideas For Getting Fitter

Motivation is a complex thing and driven by many sociological and physical factors. However, there are 2 basic types of motivation that you can take into consideration when trying to stay on the "fitness wagon".

Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic Motivation is based on simple rewards or short term motivators, such as money, winning a bet, material items or scores/grades. This type of motivation is from external sources and tends to be short term. For the purposes of long term lifestyle changes these types of motivation are weak.

Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic Motivation comes from inside and actually being interested in doing the exercise. Being aware of this type of motivation and trying to harness this can help us develop long term results and goals.


Motivational Ideas

With intrinsic motivation in mind, try to think about ways of actually enjoying exercise. As a start, try to do exercises you actually like. There are many different forms of exercise and you don't have to sign up at a gym or purchase home fitness equipment to get fit. For example:

• Join a sports team
  
• Walk the dog/walk with a friend
  
• Get out in the garden
  
• Horse riding
  
• Walk to the shops
  
• Running competitions with kids at the park
  
• Martial arts
  
• Group fitness classes
  
• Boot camp programs
  
• Yoga/Pilates
  
• Swimming
  

Take a friend along when you exercise or involve the whole family. Consider signing up with a friend at the gym, or trying out something new together. This can be a fun way to spend time with your friends and also meet new people.

Make Goals

Make achievable goals when you work out a fitness program and write them down. Aim to join a charity walk/run in your area, or aim for a certain number of laps in the swimming pool. If weight loss is your goal, avoid focusing on the numbers on the scales and concentrate on positive achievements.