Motivation

Bodybuilding - When you are short of motivation

When the motivational pool runs shallow the excuses not to exercise start to amass and take priority, so what do you do?

1) Look at your journal and re-read the reasons for why you started to work out in the first place. Did you accomplish some of your goals? Do they need to be more realistic?

2) We all go through stressful situations in our life - remember one of the best stress relievers is working out.

3) Sometimes a simple thing like a buying new workout outfit will do wonders.

4) Make friends at the gym. Your gym should be a place where you feel comfortable, a place where you have someone to say hello to - and trust me, your hard work and dedication will pay off. Fellow workout-er's are quick to realize and pay compliments.

5) Find a workout partner that can help keep you motivated. When you may be low in motivation your partner may be high and vice versa. Also you now have an additional commitment to go to the gym. It wouldn't be fair to leave your partner hanging, would it?

6) Take a week off. Sometimes a simple re-charge of the batteries will do wonders! If you do decide to take the week off then do exactly that! Don't let the guilt of not hitting the weights pull you back into the gym early. By the time the week passes your motivational pool will probably be overflowing.

7) Get your hands on a fitness related magazine. I constantly find gallons of motivation by looking at the magazines.

8) You are not alone. We have all been there...burnt out, fed up, tired, hurt, or what ever you want to call it. There are hundreds of obstacles and set backs that lie in the wait. Keep your chin up and stay the course - you will be successful!

9) Find a role model - someone who you may be able to communicate with via e-mail or written correspondence. There are many wonderful athletes out there that fully understand what you want to accomplish and just how difficult it can be.

10) Read 1-9 again!