Think of the hours of training and amount of discipline it takes for Olympians like Shaun White to be at the top of their game.
His last, gold-medal winning run on the half-pipe was incredible!
Those of us who aren’t Olympians can create our own goals, and this can help with personal motivation to be healthy & fit.
Staying motivated to work out (especially when it’s not so great outdoors) can be challenging.
Let me share a few ways that I stay focused on fitness.
1. Have a trip on your calendar – For me, it’s usually a surf, snowboard or wakeboard trip—all of which require me to be in shape and athletic.
Find something you enjoy that’s active and plan a trip around it!
You will be surprised how focused you are with your fitness when you have an active trip planned.
2. Change up your routine – I break up my program into seasonal phases:
FALL: I have a phase that focuses on building strength and muscle.
WINTER: I focus on mobility and flexibility.
SPRING: The focus is on conditioning and getting lean.
SUMMER: I play!! I cut back on my training and and spend more time wakeboarding, surfing and electric-skateboarding.
When you break up your program into phases like this, and have something you are training for (like in step 1), it’s so much easier to stick to your program.
3. Hire a personal trainer – Yes, you heard me! Even I hire coaches for myself.
I’ve invested my time and energy working with some of the best.
Why? You may ask. It’s simple—so I don’t have to think about my program…and when I’m accountable to someone, I get it done.
It’s easy to NOT push yourself or stay on point with your nutrition, but when you throw in some accountability, it’s a commitment…when I make a commitment, I get it done. When I don’t do this, it’s easy to slack off.
(Apply here if you would like more information on getting your own personal trainer.)
4. Work out with a partner – It’s always more fun and more motivating to work out with someone else.
If you don’t have the means to hire a personal trainer, recruit a friend! Find activities you both enjoy doing and make it a regular thing so you’re sure to keep your appointments for exercising.
If your workout partner is going on that active trip with you, there’s even more to look forward to together!
5. Focus on your reason “WHY” – Why do you want to be healthy? Is it to be around longer for your kids or grandkids? (For me, it’s nephews and nieces!)
Do you just want to get the most enjoyment possible out of life? Do you want to feel better than you do now?
Whatever your reason why, make that your focus and allow it to motivate you from within.
Watching the Winter Olympics makes me wish for a snow day! While snow is rare here in Texas, I love snowboarding whenever I can get away to a snowy place.
It feels so great to be healthy and fit enough to enjoy these activities that I love.
I hope you feel motivated now, so even though you may not be training for the Olympics, you can still enjoy exercise and being active!