On the 1st January, I wanted to make it my mission to make January colourful. What I mean by that is I wanted to do a variety of different workouts and colour the squares in my new planner. Ever since I lost 4 stone back in 2010, I have been keen to keep fitness a regular part of my life. Although sometimes, it can be difficult to find the motivation to workout, especially on dark January mornings. So here are 6 Ways To Stay Motivated With Your Fitness Goals.
Heidi Swapp Memory Planner and mini inspirational card from Treatbox
Keep A Record
I am a bit of a planner geek and love keeping records of everything and anything. I find there is nothing more satisfying than writing down your completed workout in your planner and colouring it in all pretty. Sometimes the thought of colouring a new square in is enough to get you motivated. On Sunday, it was a dark and cold morning but I knew I wanted to go swimming just so I could colour my square in blue. Silly but hey, it worked!
Make A Date
At my gym, you can book classes up to two weeks in advance – so the other day I sat down and organised my fitness schedule. I am now booked onto Body Conditioning, Legs Bums Tums & Body Balance this week. I find that if you make a date in your dairy, you are less likely to cancel and more likely to plan your life around your workouts. I don’t need to think too much about what I am doing if it’s planned in advance, I just put my trainers on and go!
Mix It Up
I know from experience that if you do the same workout over and over again, it gets boring and bordem leads to demotivation. To keep things interesting, I try to add a variety of workouts into my week. Choose a handful of activities you find enjoyable and make time for them all. I go to the gym twice a week but on those days I feel energized and keen to have a good workout as I feel refreshed and looking forward to do something a little different.
Set Yourself Challenges
At the moment I am doing a 30 Day Yoga series called True on the Yoga With Adriene YouTube Channel. I really enjoy yoga workouts at home but sometimes motivation to roll out the mat can be difficult. This month I want to get back into a regular yoga routine starting with a 30 Day Challenge. Setting yourself a goal or challenge is a great way to stay motivated. Step out of your comfort zone, make new healthy habits and surprise yourself.
Be Kind To Yourself
Although a fitness challenge is all good fun, it isn’t healthy to obsess over it and beat yourself up if things don’t go according to plan. On Friday, life got in the way and I didn’t have a chance to do Day 4 of Yoga. Instead of feeling like I failed, I thought okay never mind just carry on and do Day 4 tomorrow. One off day doesn’t have to result in a complete disaster. Just get back on track when you can and do your best.
Have Fun
The most important thing about fitness is having fun! Maybe fun isn’t the first thing you think of when you hear the word fitness, but I think it definitely can be. Shaun and I have started playing badminton at the weekends and it is such an enjoyable way to stay fit and active. Also, having a good workout playlist at the gym can make all the difference. Music is a fantastic motivator – today it didn’t feel like exercise, it felt like I was having a dance party all by myself on the stationary bike. Brilliant!
What motivates you towards your fitness goals? I’ve love to hear your ideas and suggestions. Are you keeping a colourful fitness planner? Join in with me and share your photos on social media using the tag #makejanuarycolourful
I am loving these, keeping track of it really does help, you can see how far you’ve come throughout. Mixing it up is always good to do so you don’t get sick of what you’re doing and get bored, that really helps me. Fab post! I really need to get back on track.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
Thanks so much for your lovely encouraging comment Jordanne 💖. It’s great to mix up workouts and I agree, looking back on progress is such a good motivator 😘 xx
These are really great tips, I’m finding it enough at the moment that I get to colour in my bullet journal if I complete something related to fitness but I expect the thrill of that to wear off as the months go by. These tips will really come in handy then!
Alys
https://alysjournals.wordpress.com
Thanks so much Alys! 💖 Colouring in a journal and making it look pretty is such a satisfying feeling, it’s definitely motivating! Good luck with your fitness goals! 😘 xx
A colorful January is a great idea, especially since it is usually plain gray. I really love these tips, especially mixing it up and being kind to yourself. Planning in advance is a great idea too!
Music always helps me and setting small, attainable fitness goals works better for me too. Great post!
Thanks so much for your lovely thoughtful comment Lady B! 💖 Music, mixing things up and planning ahead really help me to keep on track with fitness goals ☺️. I’m so glad you found the post useful 😘 xx
This is a fabulous post! I find that giving myself a goal to work towards – like running 5k – always helps too. Workout would be really boring if I was only allowed to do one thing, so mixing it up is the best way for me 🙂
Also you take really pretty photos ♥
Aw thank you so much for your lovely comment Susanne 💖. I agree, having goals to work towards always helps! A running goal is a fantastic way to stay focused and motivated 😘 xx
This is exactly what I needed to read. I’ve needed that extra little push to keep me mortivated. These are some great tips and I’ll be making note!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk / http://www.foodandbakertravels.co.uk
Thanks so much for your lovely encouraging comment 💖. I’m so glad you found the post useful and good luck with your fitness goals 😘 xx
I’m doing the 30 day challenge, too, as you know and I’m keeping motivated by not being too harsh on myself. I’m about halfway behind where I should be, I completed day 4 today but I know that that’s absolutely fine and I’m going at my own pace. And just because I missed a few days for whatever reasons doesn’t mean I can’t complete it. I’m absolutely loving it so far and love the different variety each day! <3
That’s so true Jenny and a fantastic attitude to have 💖. There are no rules, as long as we move at our own pace in the right direction is all that matters ☺️. I’m loving the yoga series too – it’s so calming and I definitely feel the benefits. Thank you so much for your comment 😘 xx
I think that the i’ll Definitely need to check out that yoga channel on YouTube. I used to do Pilates but I haven’t for a couple of months . Thank you for the inspiration x
Thank you so much for your comment Ada 💖. Definitely check out Yoga With Adriene, she is a fabulous teacher and yoga has so many awesome benefits 😘 xx
Great tips Bexa I love setting myself a challenge. I’ve done the Ab challenge before which was really fun! Well done with the yoga, I need to do more of that, I’m so inflexible 🙈 good luck with your fitness planning for the rest of 2018! xx.
Rebecca | http://www.rebeccasreviews.com
Thanks so much for your lovely encouraging comment Rebecca 💖. Go you for completing the ab challenge! That sounds like a tough one! Yoga is great, I love it and am definitely feeling more flexible after only a week ☺️. Aw thanks! Good luck with any fitness goals you are doing this year too! 😘 xx
I love this! I find aiming for a specific thing helps a lot too. Rather than just saying I’m going to work out, aiming for a certain distance, speed or number of reps is really motivating. I use apps to track mine and that definitely helps too x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thanks so much Sophie! 💖 Apps are great motivation, I used My Fitness Pal when I was losing weight and it helped loads ☺️. I agree, having a specific goal in mind is great for staying focused and motivated 😘 xx
I really like these tips as I have to admit I’ve fallen off the fitness wagon. Writing it down just may be the jumpstart I need to get back into it again 🙂
Writing it down is such a great way to stay motivated and see your progress ☺️. Thanks so much for your comment Marie and good luck with your fitness 😘 xx
I’ve recently just joined a new gym, so this post is perfect for me. Whilst I’m waiting for it to open, I’m getting all excited for it but I can just imagine I’ll get into a slump. Hopefully I’ll use some of your tips to continue being motivated with fitness and all that jazz!
Alice
Live Life, Love Life and Laugh Through It!
That’s great you have joined a gym! 💖 Sounds like you are feeling positive already! Keep things varied and get a good workout playlist and you should be fine 😃. Thanks so much for your comment Alice and all the best with your fitness goals! 😘 xx
Great post and needed to get myself back on track! The thought of seeing myself in a bikini in roughly 6 months usually helps me stay motivated 🙂
Holly x
http://www.ldnmuse.com
That’s great motivation! 💖 I’m going on holiday in April so that is one of my main motivators right now ☺️. Thanks so much for your comment Holly and good luck with your fitness goals 😘 xx
Your planner is so cute babe, I love it! I really think some of your tips are going to help so many people 💜✨
With love, Alisha Valerie. x
http://www.alishavalerie.com | http://www.twitter.com/alishavalerie
Thanks so much for your kind encouraging comment Alisha! 💖 That’s so lovely to hear 😘 xx
Needed that post to start my work out cause I’ve been very lazy lately! Will also check Yoga With Adrienne! Great post!
https://mademoiselleolantern.wordpress.com/2018/01/08/top-5-bronzers/
Thanks so much Joy! 💖 So glad you enjoyed the post and definitely check out Yoga With Adriene, she is a fabulous teacher! 😘 xx
I don’t have any fitness goals (coughs) because I am far too lazy! But I comfort myself that a couple of hours housework a week plus an hour in the garden is stopping me from turning into a complete slob. That said, I love your “one off day doesn’t have to result in a complete disaster” comment, because I can apply that to most of my days. Rarely do things go to plan, but most of the time it doesn’t matter and I need to remember that! Lovely photos, as always Bexa xx
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Housework and gardening are great ways to stay fit and active! 💖 Gardening is perfect as it’s enjoyable and you don’t realise you are exercising either 😄. He he, yes it’s good to remember sometimes things don’t go to plan but that’s okay ☺️. Thank you so much for your lovely comment Lisa! 😘 xx
I really love the idea of #makejanuarycolourful.
When I have a lot of tasks to complete, I make a list and put a big tick next to each task once I complete it. It feels so good to finally put pen to paper and flick that tick across the page; I can imagine your system of colouring in each box feels very much the same.
Some really good tips here, which I’ll take on board.
I like the idea of varying exercise activities so things don’t get boring, too.
The best of luck with your 2018 fitness journey!
C | http://www.randomtangentblog.wordpress.com
Thank you so much for your lovely thoughtful comment! 💖 Indeed, it is so satisfying colouring in my planner after a workout! Having a list and ticking things off sounds very therapeutic ☺️. Aw thanks! 😘 Hope you have a fabulous 2018 and achieve everything you want to! 😍 xx
I love your fitness planner Bexa, it is so pretty and colourful 😘. I like your tips about mixing things up and being kind to yourself 😊. I agree, exercise is all about having fun and playing badminton with you is very enjoyable 😄😍❤️😘 xxxx
Aw thank you so much for your lovely encouraging comment Shaun 💖. Badminton is so much fun – can’t wait to play it again at the weekend! Keeping things varied always makes exercise so much easier 💖😘☺️😃 xxxx
I’ve started running again and I agree that writing down your workout is enough to motivate you! It’s so good when you can look back on your workouts and see how much you’ve improved whether it’s a longer run or a quicker pace, definitely helps to keep me motivated!
I’ve always wanted to try yoga too so that Youtube yoga sounds good will definitely give that a try soon!
Jess || foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
Thanks so much for your lovely comment Jess! 💖 Writing it down and seeing progress is so motivating! Definitely check out Yoga With Adriene, she is a fabulous teacher! Good luck with your running goals 😘 xx
Gosh darn it! I wish I could be as motivated as you are… I absolutely hate the gym / exercise / fitness etc but I need to lose weight so I have little to no choice! LOL. Having been a little man down with physical / health issues last year, I am doing my best to get back into walking. The biggest motivator for me at the moment is my health so I guess that will kick anyone into fitness gear 😀 I love your tips and pointers and I think you are truly inspirational. The Yoga a day idea sounds cool actually, I quite enjoy Yoga and Pilates so maybe thats an idea…
Shevy
http://moonsomnia.com
Thank you so much for your comment Shevy 💖. Fitness can be hard to get into and I understand that the gym just isn’t for everyone 🙈. Walking is such a fantastic way to get fit, it’s relaxing and you don’t need any fancy equipment or gym memberships ☺️. Definitely check out Yoga With Adriene if you get a chance, she is an awesome teacher and yoga has so many brilliant benefits 😍. Good luck with your fitness this year! 💕 xx
I’m looking to do 3 days of weights a week complimented with mediation and yoga. The weights haven’t been an issue, but implementing and setting aside time to stretch and mediate has been an issue!
Thanks for sharing, mind/body connection is so key!
Thank you so much for your comment Erik! 💖 I know what you mean, sometimes it’s so hard to get the motivation to roll out the yoga mat. Although once it’s done, I feel so much better and wondered why I struggled beforehand ☺️. Good luck with your fitness goals this year 💕 xx
Hello I’ve only been given the chance to catch up on blogs now and of course I had to read yours ❤️ I agree 100% with this blog like it’s unreal. I do agree that you have to schedule your workouts because you’d find a way to wiggle yourself out of it. Planning exercises is also great because it would keep you going instead of just slacking off like a potato and losing the motivation and mindset. And while it is always a good thing to push yourself a bit with every workout, you do have to still think of yourself. A great and appropriate post, especially for the New Year where everyone wants to get that bod. ❤️❤️
The slacking off like a potato comment made me laugh 😄. Thank you for your lovely thoughtful comment Olivia 💖. I agree, it is so important to think of yourself when it comes to fitness, challenges are great but not when they cause stress to the body and mind. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post 💕 xx
I just realized that with all of my rushing I didn’t get to comment on this post! I love anything fitness related, esp reads on motivation. I’ve been trying to get back in the gym since September 🤣😳😳 I really need to use a planner or give annoying alerts cause my body just isn’t listening. Plus this new job just drains me so much and I’m trying not to always have excuses lol. The most I do is walk around or use the stairs a lot at work. Great read ☺️
xx Lena | https://lenadeexo.com
Walking and using the stairs are still great ways to keep fit! 💖 Sometimes when life gets busy we just gotta do the best we can ☺️. Hope you are enjoying your new job & thank you for the comment Lena 💕 xx
For me when it comes to staying motivated to work out, music is everything! If I have a good soundtrack when I’m working out it makes all the difference. I do need to remind myself to mix it up though, otherwise I definitely start getting bored.
Julia // The Sunday Mode
100% agree Julia! 💖 Music can make all the difference between a good workout and a not so good one. And mixing things up always keeps exercise fresh and motivating. Thanks so much for your comment 😘 xx