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Expert Q&A
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| By Catherine Cram, M.S. Postpartum Fitness Expert Exercise Physiologist | ||
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How can I get motivated to exercise?
Motivation can be the most difficult part of starting any positive life change. Every person is different, so what motivates you may be very different from what would motivate someone else. The key to finding what will make you feel like getting started is to look back on what sorts of things have motivated you in the past.
- Do you respond to goals? If so, then set up a training log and create short-term goals each week. It's important to feel like you're realizing a goal every week to keep interest level high.
- Maybe you're motivated by rewards. Think about what is on your wish list and then determine what you'll need to accomplish to achieve that reward. Just make sure that the reward is a positive one and not something that reinforces old habits (i.e. big dinner out with lots if desserts!).
- One of the best ways to get motivated to exercise is to find a fitness partner. There's nothing like knowing that there's someone waiting for you at the bike or walking path to make you accountable. In addition, exercise is so much more fun when you're spending quality time with a friend.
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