6 tips on how to motivate yourself for training

Many people have big problems when it comes to perseverance. Face it. A few walks, some cycling or an aerobics class or two are not enough to get an attractive body. But if you can motivate yourself for a few weeks, it will become a habit, and the noticeable results won't be long in coming. Here are six simple steps to make your fitness workout as natural to you as breathing:

1. timing is everything

Schedule your workout to fit your schedule. If you want to go to the gym after work, but often sit late at the office or have social obligations, it will be difficult to implement. For most people, the morning is the best time to workout. If you can get up just an hour earlier, your morning workout can wake you up and get you ready for the day. Pay attention to your early appointments at the office. For your safety, avoid them if you can. It's not very beneficial if you're still red-headed and sweating during a meeting.

2. make yourself as comfortable as possible

Inconvenience is the #1 excuse and the main reason when it doesn't work out. Find a gym that's close to your home or work. Exercise outdoors during your lunch break, or do your workout at home. Build a small gym - if possible - in the basement or in a separate room. You save the travel time. For as little as 50 EUR you can get a mat, balls, bands and free weights. These are all great tools to start your strength training with. However, for home training you need a very special motivation. Many people have already failed at this. The living room has a different purpose and is not a workout area. A home gym usually only makes sense if it can be completely separated from the other living areas. For cardiovascular training, a walk or bike ride in the fresh air is ideal.

3. set deadlines

Set specific times when you will go to workout. Write them down in your schedule and treat your "workout dates" like any other appointment. It's best to pick a time that you can use each day. Then, when it's 6am, for example, you know deep down that it's time for your workout. Tell your friends and acquaintances that other commitments will have to wait until after your workout. This is YOUR time to do something for your health. The more you get used to it and others respect it, the less inclined you will be to skip your workout for something else.
If you have less time than you had planned, you should follow the "better than nothing" principle. Every training session - no matter how small - is better than skipping the workout altogether. Always remember: muscles can only grow through training stimuli. If you have to cut down on your workouts, that's not such a bad thing. In addition, you can maintain your training rhythm through these small workouts.

4. think ahead

Organization is half the battle. You don't have to do much to get there. When you pack your food for the day or put your things out for the next morning, find clean workout clothes, pack your gym bag and fill up your water bottle. That way, you'll be ready to go in the morning. Any obstacle should be avoided. This is especially important in the morning. When you get up, it's all about training. All planning for the day should be done the night before. Don't make the mistake of sitting down in front of the computer for a "very short" time. This can quickly turn into an hour. This, in turn, will probably cost you a training session because you won't have enough time to get to the office. If you train at home, the workout area before and after each session should be neat and clear. This way you avoid distractions from cleaning and moving things around.

5. make it public

Talk to your colleagues and neighbors about your workout plans. You are the person in your workplace or neighborhood who goes to the gym every morning fully motivated. If your colleagues notice the change, tell them you're going to the gym four to five times a week. Make it a trait of yours. Make it an integral part of your life, not just a short-lived phase that will quickly pass. Listen to yourself describe your life this way. It will excite you and keep you interested. But don't overdo it either. Don't go into too much detail. People tend to assign certain roles to members of a social group. Once you've been the "fat guy," people will have trouble seeing you in a different light. Words usually won't get you far. Convince them with your actions. This will make them nervous and possibly envious, but that should not be your problem.

6. become addicted

It's true: the "feel-good" chemicals released during high-intensity workouts make you want to exercise. When you reach the point where you crave the "high" of fitness training - as you might with that first cup of coffee - motivation will no longer be a problem for you. With all that working out, you can't forget to drink enough water and eat healthy foods to give your body enough substance for the next training session. You don't want to sabotage your hard work. On the other hand, you must always stick to your plans. Some people quickly get into overtraining due to overmotivation. That would make a mockery of your efforts.