If you’re a WFCC member, or if you’re considering becoming one, you’ve already taken that first step towards health and fitness. But now that you’ve gotten yourself into that healthy headspace, let’s talk today about motivation – what it is, why we have it, and how we can keep it going.
Most of us aren’t lifting weights because we are committed to lifting weights as an end in itself. We’re lifting weights because we’re committed to being healthy, energetic, fit women. And within that commitment, most of us have specific goals. Some of us want to lose weight, some want to build muscle, some want to get our core strength back after having a baby, some want to ensure that we keep our bodies strong as we age. You may have a specific event, like a 5K run/walk for a charity you support, that you’re working towards.
What is your goal?
Start by setting a challenging but achievable goal, and have your workouts stem from your commitment to reaching that goal.
If you’re committed to training for a 5K, the treadmill might become your favourite spot. If you’re committed to variety, fun and challenge, you might like our specialty programs. If your goal is to build a fitness program that works for your body, personal training might be the way to go.
Here are 3 things you can do right now to turn your goals into realities for yourself.
1. Be serious about your goal, but not too serious.
Say your daily workouts are going great, until you wake up late (or insert any other reason here) and miss a workout. Now what?
Depending on the time of day and who’s around you, shout aloud (or silently): “Next!” And then make a new promise that will keep you on track with your goal. So you didn’t work out this morning. What can you do to create time for a workout tonight? It’s as easy as that. No self-bashing required.
2. Get your goal on the calendar.
Schedule your workouts and make sure everything that needs to be handled during that time is being handled. For example, if you are going to work out at 7 am tomorrow morning, here are some things you might want to do or have others do for you:
- set out your workout clothes the night before
- prepare the kids’ lunches
- dress the kids
- feed the pets
3. Share your goal with the people around you.
Your friends and family members love you and want to see you succeed. The more they know about what you want, the less likely they are to pass the double butter popcorn at the movie and the more likely they are to join you at your next Kangoo Jumps class.
Finally, this commitment quote (attributed to both Goethe and Faust translator, John Anster) is a favourite and would look great inside your gym bag:
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
