Stay Motivated

Below are the most common excuses I hear from people that give up on their exercise routine. I have provided you with an action plan for each one so that you can stay motivated!

‘I’m too busy’… work, family, project
This is a lame excuse! You can always find time to do something if you really want to. You know this!

You have to ask yourself what the real reason is that you are avoiding exercise.
You can fit in exercise slots into a working week if you really want to.

Some options to consider : express workouts: Innervate Personal Trainers offer 20 min micro sessions. This is perfect for the time conscious client. Alternatively, if you are going it alone:
You can train ‘smarter not longer’, 20 or 30 minutes of exercise 2 to 3 times a week can get you fantastic results.

I cannot afford it
Exercise is free! If you have the motivation to get up, get out and get to it then it costs you nothing! If you do not have the motivation to do this on your own you need to meet with friends and train together. Again for free!
If you still lack motivation that is where we come in. We offer solutions for every budget.

I can never get motivated to get up in the morning to exercise.
You should train at a time that you know you will do it and stick to that time. I am a morning exerciser. I know myself very well and I know that if I do not exercise in the mornings it will not happen. This is the same for me in the winter or summer. However, many of my clients like to exercise in the evening or afternoon.

If you know that it is unrealistic for you to get up and exercise in the dark in the morning do not just set your alarm and then turn it off and turn over, either arrange to meet friends or a trainer or simply change your regular time of training. Set yourself realistic goals and do not make excuses. i.e. ‘ I will meet the girls for a Pump class at lunchtime so I do not need to get up and train in the morning’ or ‘ill catch up and train with a friend after work and grab a bite to eat after’

I tend to stop exercising during Winter
Try not to let the change in seasons effect you. Do not hibernate!

However because of:
Shorter daylight hours
Cold temperatures

People do tend to change their habits, lifestyle and diet and can comfort eat and gorge themselves on ‘heavy winter warmer foods’. The couch can look more attractive than heading out for a run or power walk in the cold and dark.

So, if this is you:

My advice would be to try something different.

Aqua Aerobics, indoor climbing, an indoor group exercise class, a game of squash with a friend or a team sport. Many sports run through the winter.

Arrange to train with a friend or a group of friends
The accountability will force you to exercise; you will be able to motivate each other.

Book some sessions with one of our personal trainers or join our outdoor fitness groups
If you have paid for a session and a trainer is waiting for you, you are more inclined to exercise.

Treat yourself to a new winter workout kit. Go along a buy yourself some brand spanking new gear that makes you look like and feel like a fitness model. This might be the inspiration you need to get out and about. You need to make sure that you insulate yourself during the cooler months if you are going to walk or run outdoors, my advice would be three thin layers so you can take them off as you get warmed up and tie around your waist.

Train yourself indoors:
I used to live in the Middle East and it was too hot to train outside so I used to do this workout in the front room with the air conditioning on and my ipod up high.

Lisa Brown’s 1000 rep workout!
1. Push ups
2. Sit ups
3. Squats
4. Skipping or running on the spot – 1 minute
5. Step ups on bench or chair
6. Tricep dips on bench or chair
7. Star jumps
8. Lunges
9. Skipping or running on spot – 1 minute
10. 10 second hold in a press up position

Do 10 repetitions for each exercise and repeat 10 times. If this is too much for you either reduce the repetitions and or amount of times you repeat the sequence. Try and build up to the 1000 rep workout!!!!!

I cannot stay motivated/ I never stick to anything, I’ve joined gyms before and then dropped out straight away
This is our job! We can be your motivator. Let us do our job. All you have to do is turn up to our sessions and we will motivate you.

I’m too tired
Initially you will be a bit tired after your first few sessions but if you stick to a routine I promise that your energy levels and zest for life will go up. This is one of the best benefits of training on a regular basis. When I take a few weeks off training (which does not happen too often) I feel that I do not have as much energy during the day and feel much more sluggish and sleepy in the afternoons especially.

I do not like exercise
That’s OK because we love it and I promise you that even if it is not your thing you obviously realize why it is so important otherwise you would not be reading this.

Go for it!
Lisa Brown (Director)
Email activity@innervate.net.au if you have any questions regarding this info