Do you find it difficult to continue to exercise after you’ve crossed that one-month mark? Do you lose motivation pretty quickly?
Here’s the thing: you are not alone!
So many people find it difficult to sustain long-term change in their exercise and fitness habits, even if they start out with really good intentions. There is a reason why gyms and fitness clubs often fill up at the start of the New Year but slow down a month or two later: lack of motivation.
There is good news, though! There are ways to keep yourself motivated and get over those hurdles that arise a few weeks or months into your fitness journey.
There are a number of reasons why people lose motivation, and it is important to remember that losing motivation doesn’t mean that you are going to be unsuccessful in your fitness goals!
Some common reasons for motivation loss include:
It is so important that you identify what is motivating you to reach your fitness goals. Without understanding your own motivation, you will likely struggle to maintain the stamina you need to keep working towards those goals.
Extrinsic motivators are things like rewards, accomplishments, and recognition. Losing weight, gaining weight, or gaining muscle can also be an extrinsic motivator because your mind can view these things as rewards for your effort.
Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, means that you are motivated to do something because you personally enjoy it or find it rewarding — even without any external rewards or benefits. While some people are lucky enough to simply enjoy the process of working out and doing weight training, there are many more who need something external to help them along the way.
There are lots of people who would love to be intrinsically motivated but need to find some sort of extrinsic motivation anyway. Everyone is motivated by different things, and finding what motivates you will help you stay on track.
This is important, too: motivators are not only about physical changes like losing or gaining weight, building muscle, or getting more fit. This whole process is about mental health, confidence, and self-love. Physical changes are just the cherry on top, not the whole ice cream sundae!
Negative self-talk is not a good motivator. When we constantly indulge in negative messages about our bodies, we don’t stay motivated. Instead, we become discouraged and depressed!
At Yallfit, we often talk about how we should exercise out of love for our bodies, not out of hatred. Exercise helps us keep our bodies healthy, active, and safe from muscular pain. That’s a much better motivator than feeling bad about how our bodies look or function!
If you’ve been thinking about whether or not to hire a personal trainer, one of the things that may help you decide is this issue of motivation.
Personal trainers are great extrinsic motivators. After getting to know you and your history with fitness and health, they will help you find out your specific motivation for getting more fit. Then, through scheduled workout sessions, they can also hold you accountable, create an individualized exercise program for your needs, and support you as you reach your goals.
Personal trainers bring a wealth of knowledge about how to safely and effectively challenge your body to meet your goals.
Another thing we love about working with a trainer is that you don’t have to spend so much mental energy on planning your workouts, figuring out a great routine, or re-engaging your motivation. During your sessions, your trainer is there for YOU, no one else. When else do you let everything revolve around you and reaching your own goals?
We understand that staying motivated is difficult, but working with a personal trainer is one of the BEST ways to stay motivated. We would love to talk with you about your fitness goals!
Book a free consultation with a personal trainer today. You can find a date and time that works for you on our Yallfit consultation calendar!
