5 TIPS FOR WORKING OUT ON YOUR OWN

We’ve all heard that having a workout buddy can help motivate and keep us on track. But what do you do when your buddy isn’t available?

If the buddy system isn’t working for your work out, have no fear! Tap into the power you have inside to motivate yourself. These 5 useful tips will show you how!

1. DO WHAT YOU ENJOY.  It’s easy to get hung up on the “work” part of working out, but sweating and burning calories can be fun, too! If running isn’t necessarily your thing, try taking a dance class or riding your bike through the park or along the beach.  Adding an element of fun to your exercise program will help you stay motivated because, after all, we don’t have to be talked into do something that feels good, right?

1. PENCIL YOUR SELF IN. – You record all of your other important dates, appointments and events on your calendar, so why not schedule your workouts, as well? Putting your exercise schedule in writing will not help you remain accountable to yourself, but it will also alleviate the time management issues that many of us face when trying to squeeze exercise in to our hectic schedules.

1. 3.    SET REALISTIC GOALS. – One of the biggest obstacles to fitness plans is our propensity to try to do too much too soon. You work out so hard one day that it takes you a week to recover, and, before you know it, a week away from the gym turns into a month, and so on. As the children’s story of the Tortoise and the Hare taught us, “Slow and Steady wins the race.” The key to a smart and effective fitness plan is consistency, so don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself.

1. CELEBRATE OTHERS’ SUCCESS. – This is what we call the Jedi Mind Trick of Fitness!  Sometimes taking the focus off of ourselves is exactly the sort of motivation that we need. Let others inspire you by their success. Read magazine articles to find out how your favorite celebrity got her beach body back after having a baby. While you may not have all the resources at your disposal that she has, it’s important to remind yourself, regularly, that achieving your goal is possible. After all, exercise begins with your state of mind.

1. TREAT YOURSELF. Everybody needs a pat on the back every now and then, and if no one is around to give you a shout-out, then go ahead and treat yourself. A new outfit, a decadent dessert or trip to the spa may be in order when you reach a particular milestone.  Treating yourself can help keep you motivated because it gives you something to look forward to while you’re in the workout process, and it will give you an added sense of accomplishment as you enjoy the reward.

As women, we spend so much of our time focusing on the lives and needs of others. This month, make a new commitment to make yourself and your health a top priority!