Stay Fitness Motivated

Good Morning! Only 7am, but I am up and full of life already.

As I was laying in bed, I couldn't help but think, "How can I help people get even more motivated to stick with their fitness routines?" And then I was reminded of two fabulous articles I have recently stumbled across. They worked for me, and I hope they will work for you as well!


Article 1: Runner's World - 101 Kicks in the Butt (by Calvin Hennick)
I will not list them all, but here were my most favorite:

1. "CREATE A BLOG where you post your daily mileage, then give out the Web address to your friends and family. Do you really want Aunt Ellen to ask why you skipped your four-miler on Wednesday?" (Side note: My Blog has kept me super motivated. It allows me to become "accountable" for my health, fitness and nutrition. I recommend blogger.com OR wordpress.com)
   
2. "GOOD-TO-GO PLAYLIST
   Country
   "Cocaine Blues," Johnny Cash
   "Ain't Going Down (Til the Sun Comes Up)," Garth Brooks
   "Wide Open Spaces," Dixie Chicks
   "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow," Alan Jackson
   "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," The Charlie Daniels Band" (Side Note: Yes, this playlist was from Mr. Hennick, BUT the point is that it's his playlist. Country, hip-hop, jazz, classical, pop - whatever it is that makes you move, create it! I am biased with this Country List, since I'm a total country girl. THANK YOU, Calvin, I will now add these songs into my own!)
3. "PAY YOURSELF. Set a price for attaining a certain weekly mileage goal. When you hit it, pay up. Keep your mileage money in a jar, and once it accumulates, buy yourself that new running jacket you've been ogling." (Side Note: I have now incorporated this into my life. I have saved various gift cards and money. When I reach a certain health, nutrition or fitness goal, I'll dig into my stash and buy me something new. Notice - I did not say, "I'll go get me an ice cream cone!")
4. "RUN FOR A REASON. Do a race for charity. Helping kids with diabetes or women with breast cancer makes it much easier to get out the door." (Side Note: Do anything for a reason. It will inspire you. I'm working on a couple "reasons" currently. One I am very passionate about is Ms. Ashley and her fight against MS. Check out what she's doing HERE.

You can find the entire list HERE at Runnersworld.com. Sign up for even more Runnersworld.com Inspirations HERE.

Article 2: Woman's Day - Lose that Weight for Good (by Denise Austin)
In the January, 2010 issue, Denise mentions 12 ways to Stay Motivated:

1.  Music is Key
2. Give yourself a No-Food Reward
3. Find a workout buddy
4. Put your workout clothes out the night before
5. Hang a Calendar where you can see when you eat/workout right
6. Pick a time of day to workout and stick with it
7. E-mail your workout log to a close friend each week
8. Slip on your workout clothes the night before
9. TV - watching ESPN while working out to see all the fit athletes
10. Make healthy foods look pretty
11. Keep a food log
12. Remind yourself that you'll always feel better after you exercise than you did before it (of if you skip it)
    

Click HERE to read the full list of these motivators.


My final thought for this Sunday morning on health, nutrition and fitness motivation is: "Because You are Worth It!"