We have no problems watching TV or browsing social media on our phone. In fact, you could sit in front of a screen and do both of those activities for 2 hours or even longer without losing your concentration. But what about jogging or hitting the gym? Uff!!! That must be too hard… Even though you logically know that exercising is more productive and beneficial, you still prefer playing video games or scrolling through social media. Watching TV is easy and doesn’t require much effort, while exercising is too difficult and it requires you to apply yourself. So, how to tackle difficult things and turn work-out into play? Let’s see…
1. Delay Gratification
You have decided to work on your health and fitness. Running every morning seems like a good idea. And so, you set an alarm for 6 AM in the morning and go to bed. It’s 6 AM now and you are woken up by the dreadful sound of the alarm. It takes you a few seconds but you realize it’s time to get up and get going. Or is it? Everything is so perfect for another hour or two of sleep. The bed, the blanket and the pillow – nothing wants you to leave. You don’t want to leave them either. Running can wait. You drift back into sleep zzzzzzz. This is the first hurdle you have to pass. Don’t fall for it.
2. Journaling
Maintain a notebook or journal of your exercise routines, fitness goals and plans. Like when did you exercise, for how long, and at what intensity? All these small details will help you record your exercise data and you will be aware of the small changes and improvements in your body.
3. Fitness Buddy
If you are having trouble sticking to a workout routine, invite your BFF to join you and help you stay on track. Studies show that social support helps to boost your confidence and motivates you to work-out more. If you both are committed to each other, it is less likely that you will cancel your gym trip!
4. Reward Yourself
Reward yourself after every workout session. Like parents offering a reward to their child, if he/she secures good marks in an examination. Rewards motivate us to reach our goals. Think of something you really like and reward yourself with the same when you successfully finish your day’s work-out.