At Southside Physiotherapy clinic we regularly are asked: How can I get fit or lose weight and maintain my motivation?
Have you ever started a fitness programme or a diet and then quit? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Many people start fitness programmes – only to stop when they get bored, don’t enjoy it or results come too slowly. Here are some tips that our clients have found beneficial.
Start Small – Aim to make one change a day. Add fruit to your breakfast, skip your pre-dinner cocktail, or take a stroll after lunch.
Vary Your Vocabulary – Say, “I want to workout” not “I should workout” or “I chose not to eat that” to get in the right mind-set.
Do the ‘Write’ Thing – Jotting down your goals makes them more likely to stick. You may also find it helps to keep an exercise or food diary. Record what you did during each exercise session, how long you exercised for and how you felt afterward. Recording your efforts and tracking your progress can help you work toward your goals, and remind you that you’re making progress. If you write down everything you eat, it may keep you from dipping into that biscuit jar!
Work It Out – Exercise eases stress and distracts you from thinking about food. Your body can give big rewards for a small input.
Find Support – Enlist a friend to be your ‘gym buddy’ or ‘diet buddy’ so that you have someone to keep you accountable and share your accomplishments with.
Reward Yourself – After each exercise session, take a few minutes to savour the good feelings that exercise gives you. This type of internal reward can help you make a long-term commitment to regular exercise. External rewards can help too. When you reach a longer-range goal, treat yourself to some new gym wear or new tunes to enjoy while you exercise.
KEEP AT IT – “After doing something for 30 days, the brain’s neural pathways become strengthened so that it helps you keep going with that new behaviour with less effort.
Here in Southside Physiotherapy clinic, we can help you attain your goals. Click here to make an appointment or contact us by phone 289-7171 or email info@southsidephysio.com.
Carpe-diem. Seize the day!!!