5 Ways To Stay Motivated On A New Exercise Program

Starting a new exercise program can be so exciting!

I love trying new routines and exercise techniques, but trying something new always brings about new challenges (and sometimes pain) so I thought I would put together a motivational post to keep you on your new fitness journey and help you to stay motivated to exercise on a new exercise program. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. Please contact your physician before starting any new exercise plan.

 

1. Don’t Be Afraid, Just Try Your Best!

It’s easy to be intimidated by exercise, especially when you are watching super-ripped people performing moves that don’t seem humanly possible. Keep in mind, these people were not able to do what they’re doing or look like they do after only 1 workout, and neither will you.

Trying to keep to up with the professionals can make it hard to stay motivated to exercise, but just try your best and do what you can. As long as you’re getting a good sweat going, you’re already there.

Don’t focus on the number of repetitions you can do either. Only able to bicep curl 5-pound dumbbells? Who cares! Focus on performing your exercises with proper form – quality over quantity is always best.

Most moves have modifications for beginners – take advantage of the modifications! Do push-ups off your toes or go at a lower intensity when you need to, don’t be a hero, just be you.

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2. Practice Makes Perfect

When I decided to start high intensity interval training (HIIT) last year, there were a lot of moves that I could not even come close to performing. I would often lose my balance, fall over and let out a long string of the most foul curse words you can imagine. I never thought I’d get anywhere.

However, with time and practice, I can now perform a lot of those difficult moves without even thinking about it. Your body will grow stronger and adapt over time.

Your balance and stability will improve, your flexibility will increase. You will get there as long as you keep at it, trust me. And the more endurance you gain the more motivated you will be to exercise and stick to your new program.

It takes time and practice; be patient (says the most impatient woman ever). Rome wasn’t built in a day and push-ups from your toes take strength and persistence!

3. Keep Challenging Yourself

As you continue to do any form of exercise, your body will adapt. Make sure you are pushing yourself as close to your max as possible (within reason).

If a workout that you have done for a while doesn’t get your heart rate up like it did before, try to make the moves more challenging (e.g. use heavier weight for weighted exercises, increase your repetitions or move faster during cardio bursts). New challenges also make it easier to stay motivated to keep exercising.

Not sure where to look for variety? Exercise doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Like me, you can find free online YouTube workouts that may be more challenging than what you’re currently doing, so try to change things up.

Variety is the spice of life.  Besides, as you increase the difficulty of your workouts, you will see more results.

Check out my favourite YouTube fitness buffs here.

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4. Stay Hydrated and Eat

I remember the time I did my first 30-minute kettlebell workout by BodyFitbyAmy . I was determined to get through the entire workout and keep up with the ever-fit Amy.

I almost passed out at the end.

While I had kept myself well hydrated, the strain of the workout burned through all my sugar stores and had me running for a glass of orange juice to get my sugar levels back up. I had to lie down for a good 15 minutes before getting up again. Not smart.

Make sure you have water readily available while you work out and drink a little before you start and throughout the exercise.

Ensure that your body has the energy it needs to do the workout, which means you need to eat!

While you don’t want to exercise on a full stomach, you need to have some readily available energy to keep you going. Carbohydrates are a great source of readily available energy for exercise.

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 5. Know Your Limits

I’ve had a couple experiences when I became slightly nauseous while exercising. I’m not sure whether it was because I had eaten too closely to my workout session or just worked out a little too intensely that day.

Either way, know your body’s cues and when it may be signaling for you to ease up or stop. If you feel any type of sharp pains, nausea or difficulty breathing, stop and rest.

Don’t be a hero. You could seriously injure yourself. Take a rest and try again another time.

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What tips do you follow to stay motivated to exercise?