It is suggested that only 1 in 5 people do enough aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise a week.
The key part to this is they don’t have the motivation to exercise.
Getting enough exercise in a week has many benefits:
- Weight Management
- Improved Mental Health
- Decreased Pain & Disease
- Personal Levels of Achievement
- Increased Immunity (Less chance of Covid)
But even if you understand the benefits of exercise or you’re currently doing some here and there…
(but results are lacking)
Motivation can be tough.
It’s hard to find for some and a struggle for most to keep.
Which is a problem.
People should be moving in some way every day.
Whether that is walking, doing an activity they enjoy or a gym based (or equivalent) routine.
It is very common though that people find it challenging to experience the motivation to become active or keep moving on a consistent basis.
I read an article the other week that was claiming an increase by 40% in people becoming overweight ever since Covid and the various lockdowns.
This was based on 5,000 people surveyed so it wouldn’t surprise me if that number was higher.
Which will probably only rise.
As more people are now working from home, movement is even more difficult to find the motivation to get up and do.
If you’re reading this then that could be you, right?
But don’t worry… I can help.
Over the years of working with many people I have come across some common reasons or let’s just say excuses as to why people struggle with exercise.
1. I don’t have time
It’s a bit of a cliché but as they say, we all have the same amount of time in a day.
How you choose to use that is up to you.
It comes down to priorities and how you value yourself and those around you.
People who say they don’t have time are often those who are wasting it elsewhere and are letting certain things distract them from what could be more important.
Not having enough time can often be mistaken for a lack of energy.
From personal experience and with feedback from my clients. Exercise is often a great way to help people feel more energized.
When you’re more energized you’ll get more done.
Productivity is a great attribute to have in order to help your work, business and have more time for your family.
When you create more time for yourself, you’re creating more time for others.
Everyone benefits!
2. I’m in too much pain
One of the biggest reasons why people struggle with their weight and health is because of pain.
Ankle, knee, back or shoulder pain etc.
I’d like you to consider that not moving is the worst thing you could do in this situation.
The body is designed to move.
I’ve helped many people reduce symptoms of pain by helping them exercise.
Mobility is important to me.
When people learn how they can become more mobile, it’s no surprise to me that certain pain they have experienced for years can soon disappear.
Imagine that?
3. I don’t have the confidence
I remember 20 years ago when I first joined a gym.
The truth is I didn’t go for 6 months because I was afraid. So I hired a Personal Trianer.
So I understand where people could be coming from.
I’ve helped many people gain their confidence with exercise, which is something I enjoy seeing.
It’s simple really.
We start small and take easy steps.
Don’t overthink it – let’s get started and I’ll help you develop more confidence when it comes to exercise.
And in a way that’ll you’ll enjoy it.
4. I’m demotivated by my results
Results are what people want at the end of the day, right?
But there is nothing worse than seeing your efforts produce little reward.
That will certainly kill your motivation.
The thing you have to consider though is that just because it didn’t work before, doesn’t mean it won’t next time.
Were you doing the right things?
(most of the time?)
Did you give it long enough?
(it’s common people go TOO HARD so they give up)
Were you measuring your progress?
(most just make it up and hope for the best)
When you’re aware of your starting point and have a plan that is sustainable – it’s far much easier to achieve great results.
(THAT last)
5. I’m not good enough
Nobody is good enough when they first start out.
You only know what you know, right?
People have to learn and everybody has to start in order to change that. If you want better results, you’ll have to start doing something differently.
The key thing here is that you’re learning the right things that suit you.
(Not necessarly what your friends are telling you)
Then with the right support you’re more likely going to take the action required to build up your confidence.
It’ll take time.
But progress is far more important that perfection.
Don’t worry though, I’m on your side.
Arrange a chat about Personal Training or Online Coaching.
Do any of those sound like you?
If so, things can change if you’re ready…
I can help you.
As I mentioned above…
I used to be somebody who struggled with the confidence to go alone.
Which is why I reached out for help from a Personal Trainer.
And I’ll be honest, I still struggle with motivation from time to time, but with practice it becomes easier.
People who go alone can go fast but those who go together will go further.
Basically, you don’t need to be that person who keeps starting and stopping and getting nowhere.
Together we can go further by working together.
Just like Michelle…
If you’re fearing the gym or you experience a lack of confidence with exercise.
This was Michelle too.
- Riddled with pain in her back.
- Didn’t know what to do.
- Lacked the belief that she could do it.
- Struggled with low mood.
- Fed up!
But together we got over her anxiety and now she is lifting more weight than some men!!!
How did we do it?
My 3 Tips for Increased Exercise Motivation…
- Understand What You Want
It’s fairly common that people don’t really know what they want. When you gain more clarity over what you want to achieve… the the plan and action steps will be easier to create and complete.
May sound obvious but people often miss this vital part out.
2. Know Your Purpose
When you realise that looking after yourself serves a higher purpose then you’ll find motivation from within to find it’s way out easier.
Your goal should benefit your purpose and when these two are connected you’ll experience the emotion that will give you that driving force moving forwards.
Everyone around you will benefit.
3. Have Support (people who want you to win)
If you could do it alone then you’d have done it by now, right?
Everybody needs some kind of support, even I use coaches and mentors after 20 years.
When you have a growth mindset you’ll realise we always need to learn and keep pushing ourselves.
Also, you’ll have those days and weeks when it doesn’t feel like it’s working – which is when having the right support around you will be essential.
Accountability is often key at times to help you succeed.
- Are you ready to conquer your fears or exercise?
- Do you want to lose weight AND feel great?
- Would you like to improve your mood and mental wellbeing?
- Are you interested in removing pain from your body?
- Would you like to be fit and ENERGISED for those around you?
