Are you a bride prepping for a summer wedding? You’ve come to right place. Even if you’re not planning to walk down the aisle anytime soon, stick around – these workout, nutrition and lifestyle tips can still benefit you, whether you have a special event coming up or just want to be toned for summer!
HealthWired is launching a miniseries on preparing for your big day, covering everything from fitness tricks to stress reduction to proper nutrition and more. Today, we’re focusing on workout motivation – because who couldn’t use an encouragement boost? Read on for six ways to improve your motivation so that you can stick to your exercise regimen.
Visualize success. Having a big event to prep for, whether it’s your wedding day, a beach vacation or just a new season, can be a powerful motivator. Picturing yourself in good shape can motivate you to stick with your new routine, even when you’re tired, busy or stressed.
Make it a habit. According to research from the Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, it takes up to 66 days to form a habit. So if you are planning to start a workout regimen, eat less junk food or think positively, it may take a bit longer than you’d like to get to a place where these behaviors are engrained in your daily life. Stick it out this long and your new habits will soon become second nature.
Find a workout buddy. If working out solo isn’t for you, consider making an appointment with a friend or family member for regular workouts. You won’t be as likely to cancel if you know someone is waiting on you at the gym or the park.
Write it down. Consider starting a food and fitness journal, either on paper or online. Jotting down your daily workouts, meals, weight loss and feelings can keep you motivated as you see how much you’ve accomplished. Tracking your progress can also help you identify roadblocks to your success.
Identify and conquer your weaknesses. Speaking of roadblocks, keep an eye on what hinders your success. For example, if you’re having trouble sticking with afternoon workouts and notice a pattern, consider switching up the timing of your exercise routines. Or if you try to eat salads at lunch, but end up bingeing later in the day, consider adding more protein to your midday meal or incorporating healthy snacks.
Building a healthy future. Last, but certainly not least, remember that regular exercise and eating right can pay dividends for the rest of your life. Fitness is a crucial component when it comes to preventing a host of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.