Spark up that Motivation!

Whether you are a seasoned exerciser or someone who dabbles now and again, motivating yourself to get started can be the toughest part of a workout. So what can you do to spark up that motivation that is stirring within you?
The first and most important element is to have a clearly defined goal and a time frame to work with. For example “I want to lose 8kg by Christmas,” I want to run 10km without stopping on the 1st Jan 2010.” Choose a goal that excites you but is attainable. Secondly make the workout enjoyable. Even the most challenging workouts can be fun! Load your ipod with cranking songs or interesting pod casts. Train with a friend or get a trainer. Do an enjoyable activity such as dancing or get outdoors. What else can you do to make your workout pleasant?
Thirdly, choose a mentor, someone who inspires you, to compare yourself with. As you are lying in bed deliberating over hitting that snooze button, ask yourself “What would he/she do right now? Which choice would they make?”
Finally, Harden up. Seriously there comes a time when you have to dig the spurs in and crank that pony up! I have been known to tell my clients to HTFU and JFDI (don’t know it? Google it). You are not born with self discipline, you create it. So go out there, set the goals you want, get back in the driver’s seat and create the life you deserve!

Text from E-Newsletter by Health & Fitness coach AMELIA BURTON