5 Benefits of Having a Personal Trainer
No doubt about it, staying motivated is one of the biggest obstacles you’ll face during your fitness journey. Many have tried and many have failed at setting fitness goals, only to have life get in the way, covered by many excuses. Think about it, how many times have you started a fitness routine as a part of a New Years Resolution, or began a routine in March for the “Best Summer Bod”?
The good news – YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Motivation, just like any routine or habit, is just like building muscle memory. It does require regular training, but can be built to be stronger and more resilient to the obstacles you will face. Here are five tried and true tips to help you stay motivated and focused on your personal fitness goals.
Dream big but start small. Instead of saying, “I want to run a marathon,” and going and killing yourself by running to failure on a treadmill, break it down into manageable milestones like “I’ll run 3 miles this week and increase by half-a-mile each week”. Setting clear and achievable goals does a few things for you. For one, it keeps your body healthy by not overworking it when it’s barely used to walking a mile a week, let alone running it. It also allows you to celebrate the milestones along the way, keeping you feeling the rush of achievement while staying motivated to achieve your dream.
Pro Tip: Write your goals down and keep them somewhere visible (computer screen, phone screen, on your car’s dashboard). Seeing them daily is a great reminder of what you’re working toward.
Your “Why” is important in anything you do in life. The most important thing is that this is YOUR why and not somebody else’s. Your personal fitness goal should align with something that will fulfill you, not because a magazine suggested the way you should look and feel, or because you want others to admire you. Do you want to be strong? Do you want to be able to run a marathon? Are you looking to love the way you feel and look? Or, maybe you just want to be able to keep up with your kids? Those are your reasons and are critical to define as your “why” and help to keep you motivated. In fact, this can be one of the most powerful motivators you’ll have in your bag of tricks.
Pro Tip: Find a picture, a phrase, or something that is personal to you and will help to remind you of your why. Make it visible and/or easily accessible for when you hit those motivation-stopping brick walls.
Nobody said that exercise has to be boring, or a chore. Contrary to believe, not everyone loves to run – I know, I’ll give you a second to take that in…
Ok, seriously, find activities that help you achieve your goal AND that you enjoy. If you’re looking for a calorie burn that isn’t running, try dancing, hiking, or maybe a kickboxing class. Wanting to put on muscle without solitude? Find a buddy that will go with you. Of course, a personal trainer can help you identify other ways to keep things fun by mixing it up and helping you find workouts that make you feel great.
Pro Tip: Switching things up can really do wonders when you’re in a rut. Try creating a new playlist, going at a different time of day, or even buying some new equipment like a pair of shoes can provide a spark.
Seriously… celebrate them. It doesn’t matter what the actual results are as every step you take that is in support of your fitness goal is a positive one. Did you hit the gym three times this week? Give yourself a high-five! Or maybe you swapped soda for water yesterday. Absolutely amazing! Celebrating small victories can be the difference from being overwhelmed and feeling like there is an impossible mountain to climb before finding success.
Pro Tip: Treat yourself for hitting milestones—maybe buy a new workout outfit, schedule a relaxing massage, or take a day off to rest and recharge and enjoy a treat!
Accountability is an extremely powerful motivator. Find a friend, or make a new friend at the gym, who is on a personal fitness journey as well. Go to the gym together, share accomplishments together, and push each other! Other ways you can accomplish this (if that best friend is “all good”) is by joining a fitness group, or hiring a personal trainer who will not only root for you, but can provide guidance for you and help you stay on track and motivated.
Pro Tip: Find a workout buddy who shares your goals or can be along to challenge you. They can help to push you when you’re hitting the wall and you can do the same for them.
Staying motivated is hard! Motivation killers like excuses, life changes, and personal setbacks, can take it right out of ya. Some days will be easier than others, some will be incredibly hard. What truly matters is showing up for yourself and having a toolbox that you can reach into when things get really tough.
Always remember this – you are stronger than you think – you’ve got this!
Ready to get started? Let’s build a personalized plan together! Book a consultation, and we’ll create a routine tailored to your goals and lifestyle that will keep you motivated and help you achieve your goals.
