Get in shape this new year!

Fitness 101: Motivation

Hey everyone, it's finally the husbands turn to post a little somethin somethin on mine and Rebecca's blog "Finding Joy in the Journey." I'm really big on health,
fitness, and physical activity so I thought I would share some of the things I'm learning both as a PE minor as well as an advocate of exercise. Just over a month ago many of us made new goals for this new year and I'm sure the majority of us had at least some kind of health, exercise, or weight loss goal. The big question now though is how are we doing on these fitness goals? We are now in February, barely one month into the new year and are we still motivated to keep these goals? I know that for many of us, (Rebecca and I included) fitness goals seem great and start at the top of our list but as the days, weeks, and months go by the motivation to keep them goes down. Because of this I've come up with a little "Keep the Motivation" list I want to share that will hopefully give us some new ideas and new found motivation for a more active 2012.

Keep the Motivation

1. Get a partner. This is the best thing you can do, it not only provides motivation but also accountability.
2. Keep a schedule. Go at the same time every week/day, this gets you into a routine and makes it easier to keep going because you are expecting it.
3. Get creative. Being physically active and getting healthy doesn't mean that you have to go lift weights everyday for 1-2 hours. Go swimming, play your favorite sport, join a rec center, take a run with your dog, do zumba, etc. Mix and match these differently every week or keep what works for you.
   
4. Make it fun. This goes along with being creative but find something that you enjoy doing. If you like it then it doesn't feel like work, you don't get bored, and it's no longer a hassle.
5. Start slow and work your way up. Getting in shape takes time, don't get burned out in the first few weeks
   
6. Think positively. Don't get discouraged if it's hard at first, it will get easier as your body and muscles adapt. Soon you will have more energy for daily activities and you will feel better.

These are just a few thoughts to get you started but I will continue to do more "fitness 101" posts in the future (intermixed with Rebecca's "life" posts I'm sure) such as "Metabolism" and "weight loss." Keep finding joy in the journey until then.

Derek