Maintaining motivation

On course: Simple changes to your exercise routine such as a switch from indoor to outdoor activity can keep your program interesting and enjoyable.

Consistency is the key to achieving and maintaining fitness so don’t let boredom kill your motivation. PTI Cpl Scott Fairweather has ways to keep the spark in your routine.

EVEN the most dedicated and hardened athletes occasionally get bored with their training routine. Lack of motivation, reducing the length of your workout and making excuses to skip the gym on your way home are all signs of a stale exercise program.

So how do you make things fun? How do you break the boredom?

1. Evaluate your current program and identify what bores you. A simple change to your program may be enough to reinvigorate you. Even changing from your indoor training (ie cardio theatre or weight room) to individual or group exercise outdoors could be the simple tool to keep you interested.
2. Take up an entirely new activity. I have found by taking up a new hobby or sporting activity it can completely change your focus and give you a new set of goals. Try something that you never thought you would do. Join a team sports club, civilian gym, surf life saving club, rowing club, boxing club, etc. It doesn’t matter if you are not good at a particular activity – challenge yourself! Step up and don’t let anyone talk you out of it. This dramatic change will really help to reinstate fun and excitement in your training.
3. Working out alone can cause a lack of motivation and perhaps reduce the element of fun while exercising. Mates can add a social element to any boring routine. Ask a friend to buddy up with you. A friend will provide a form of accountability and will stop you from skipping a workout. If your mates would prefer to eat doughnuts and watch TV than to live an active lifestyle, then don’t be shy of asking people at your local gym if they would like a training partner. This will also open the door to meeting new people and increase your network of friends.
4. When exercising, don’t just sit on the bike or treadmill and look at the wall; this will become extremely boring. Incorporate your own little interval sessions and use your imagination to picture a new environment. For example, do things like 30 seconds of exercise at 80-100 per cent and the next 30 seconds at 50 per cent. This will ensure you burn more calories resulting in better use of your time. Before you know it your time will be up.

Staying motivated will always be a struggle regardless of who you are. The key is to find a tool that will help you stay focused.

For some it’s the challenge of training outside their comfort zone or the desire to be the best at what they do; for others it’s purely the need to look good and be satisfied with who they are.

Use whatever you have to and never let pride or fear stop you from trying something new. You never know, it might just be the thing that’s missing from your life.

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