Hi everyone!

Today I chose to complete my fitness appraisal.  The goal was to run 1.5 miles in the shortest amount of time possible.  This information then gives me the opportunity to do some calculations to see what my predicted VO2Max is (the efficiency level of how the body uses oxygen during exercise...the more fit you are, the more efficient your body becomes).

Why on earth would I put myself through this difficult test if I already know I am in good shape?  Motivation.

It does not matter who you are, what level of fitness, what type of fitness program you are doing...everyone needs a little inspiration once in a while.  Of course each of us will be motivated in differnt ways and for different reasons...that is what makes us all unique (right now some of you are thinking I am crazy and others are thinking they want to try what I just did).  The key is to find ways to keep you motivated...for me it is a challenge to beat my original time/VO2max/etc.  I enjoy competing with myself..this is what keeps me going day in and day out..and it feels great!  Here are a few ways my clients stay motivated (thanks so everyone for your permission to blog this!):

1.  Remind yourself how you feel when you are done.  (even record a message to yourself on your iphone and listen to it when you feel like passing your workout by)

2.  Remind yourself why this fitness journey is important to you (again..this could be just a verbal reminder, a mental reminder, or a written reminder)

3.  Focus on what you like about yourself what you are good (not the other way around...this is demotivating).  For example, if you know your arms look great - tell yourself that and wear a short sleaved top to the gym, or if you are reallly good at sprinting...plan a few into your program that day so you feel more excited to go.

4.  Do your favorite exercises first, then you are already committed and can finish off your workout with the ones you are not as accomplished at.

5.  Just plan for a 5 minute workout.  Once you are into the workout it is not so bad and you actually want to do more!  And if you only do do 5 minutes...it is better than nothing!

6.  Create a new playlist.  Music can really keep you going!

7.  Tape a show you like on your PVR and watch it while you work out.  Of course intensity is key...but in this case anything is better than nothing.

8.  Put up a motivating photo (of you, or of someone you aspire to look like)

9.  Put up a bad photo of you...reminder of why you are doing this.

10.  Tape an inspiring message to your treadmill

11.  Focus on Can vs Can't

12.  A fitness Challenge!  Thanks Ang for all of your tips!


As you can see, there are a lot of ways people stay motivated, and I am sure many many more.  What inspires you?  What do you want to accomplish?  Who do you want to be?  Keep these things in mind when you are trying to find that drive.  It is in us all...we just need to find it sometimes!