5 things a Peloton instructor wants you to know about staying motivated
While the world continues to face the pandemic, you may be finding it difficult maintaining your regular workout routine or feeling motivated to exercise at all.
Especially with many of us feeling increasingly stressed, anxious or low, gearing up to exercise can feel like an unachievable task.
However, working out in some form on a regular basis will prove extremely beneficial for your physical health in the long run, not to mention also helping to alleviate some of the stress you may be experiencing.
So, because we don't give up easy, we asked top Peloton instructor, Jenn Sherman for her top five tips on staying motivated, once that initial bout of willpower has faded.
'Staying inspired and motivated is not always an easy task,' she explains. 'Even for a fitness instructor like myself!
'I get asked this question often by those looking for tips and I have several that I feel can really help when you are starting to feel that motivation mojo slip away.'
Figure out your fitness goals
Figure out your fitness goal(s) and then write them down. I suggest to those who are just starting or just getting back into an exercise routine, to start small before biting off more than one can chew. Ask yourself what you are looking to achieve and then begin to put your plan in place. Be mindful that goals can change over time. But having a plan is the first line of attack. Not having a plan can lead to lack of interest and a 'going through the motions' mentality. Once you've mapped out your plan, you will have a road map of where to begin.
Be kind to yourself
Don't beat yourself up if you don't achieve whatever goal you set out for any given day. Maybe you planned on 30 minutes of cardio, but your day only allowed for something less. Tell yourself that it's ok. Staying positive is key to any successful fitness plan. Don't let the hiccup hinder your game plan for the week. Just get back on course as soon as you can and tell yourself that you are going to crush your next workout.
Make whatever you are doing fun
When I discovered my first indoor cycling class many years ago, I was instantly hooked! The endorphin rush that indoor cycling provided for me was unlike any other. Riding to the beat of the music, with a great playlist blasting through the speakers always gave me a thrill and it quickly became my go-to cardio burn. Find something you love to do. It will make all the difference in the world.
Join forces with friends or family
Working out with neighbours, friends or family will provide you with support of knowing that you are not alone. Working out with others also makes working out that much more fun and gives you accountability partners. My son Evan and I, have been working out together several days a week and I know that having one another and planning our workouts together keeps us both motivated and accountable.
Due to the lockdown in the UK, working out with friends and family in person isn't as easy as it used to be, however joining together for Zoom PT sessions or all setting a time to workout in your own homes can offer the same level of accountability and motivation.
Reward yourself for a job well done
Take a few moments if you can after your workout to just breathe and acknowledge what you just accomplished. No matter how short or long the workout is. Tell yourself that you are proud of what you just did. Internal rewards can help you make a long-term commitment to regular exercise. External rewards can help too! When I reach longer and more challenging goals, I like to treat myself to a massage or a new pair of running shoes that I've had my eye on.
Peloton is the leading global interactive fitness platform, and where you can start if you're wondering how to make a home gym. Combining fitness, technology, and media, it connects participants to both live and on-demand workouts. Accessible workouts are streamed through the Peloton Bike, Peloton Bike +, Peloton Tread or standalone Peloton app — one of the best fitness apps — to your home.
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