Beginning a fitness program is relatively easy if you have a strong enough reason. Whether it’s to lose weight, build muscle or improve your sporting performance. As time goes by your motivation to work out can begin to dwindle as progress seems to slow or your enthusiasm for hitting the gym starts to diminish. To that end I’d like to share with you my top five tips for sustaining your motivation and enthusiasm for fitness so you can build the body you desire.

1. Find a picture of someone with the body you aspire to place it somewhere that you will see it every day.

Having a visual of what you want to achieve will help focus your mind on what you want. Try to get the image ingrained in your mind as what the mind believes the body will achieve. Harness the power of visualization.

2. Did you know that NOT exercising AT ALL is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes A DAY? This tip works on fear!

3. Work out with a friend. Not only will this make you both fitter it will also hold you accountable to someone else. So on those days when you just don’t feel like it, the fact that you will be letting down your friend should give you the motivation to workout. You may find on the days when you just don’t feel like training, once you’ve forced yourself to go to the gym you may find you have your best workouts, I know I do.

4. Pull out an old pair of jeans you used to fit in to, or for you ladies a dress that you loved to wear and each week see how it fits. Knowing that you are getting closer to wearing your favorite piece of clothing is good motivation.

5. Turn back the clock. Regular vigorous exercise and a healthy nutrition plan can help slow the aging process, so chronologically you may be in your 40’s but you will look like your in your 30’s
Just imagine how good you’ll feel when you not only feel younger but you look younger to other people. You will still be able to carry on with all your regular tasks but with a spring in your step!

Train Hard, Eat Smart!

Marc

PS. If you have any motivational tips, please be sure to share them in the comments box below.

We all need a little help with exercise from time to time, whether you have been enjoying the benefits of exercise for years or you are just taking your first steps to a fitter healthier you. Then there are some people why shy away from exercise altogether as they wouldn’t know where to start or what to do. With that in mind, hiring a personal trainer can be the best investment you can make on your journey to a fitter, healthier lifestyle. I’ve listed below my top 10 reasons why you should consider hiring a personal trainer to help you with your exercise program.

1. You’re not seeing the Results You Want

If you have been exercising for weeks, months or maybe even years and not seeing the results you want then hiring a personal training can help steer you in the right direction. A good personal trainer would look at your current exercise program along with your eating habits and help you make changes to create a more effective training program. A good personal trainer will look at the goals you have set and tell you if they are realistic to achieve in the time frame that you have set.

2. You Don’t Know Where to Start

If you have never exercised before then knowing where to start can be quite a daunting prospect. A good personal trainer will design a training program that incorporates the components of fitness, strength, stamina and flexibility. A good trainer will also help you set goals and help you map out a specific schedule so you know when, where and what you should be doing to achieve those goals.

3. You’re Bored with the Same Old Workouts

If you have been exercising for some time then you may be stuck in a rut and getting bored with your workouts. If you have been doing the same training program for month after month is it any wonder that your progress has slowed and because of that exercise is becoming a chore. Hiring a trainer will bring a fresh approach to your training sessions as they will be change things on a regular basis to keep things interesting and to ensure that your progress doesn’t plateau. Even if you only meet with a trainer once per week or once per month for a program update this will ensure constant progress as you wont slip into doing your favourite exercises over and over.

4. You Need to Be Challenged

If you find that you tend to slack off on during your workouts, especially when things get tough then a trainer can motivate you to push past those self-imposed limits. A personal TRAINER WILL encourage you to lift heavier, do more reps and go faster which in turn will challenge you more than you would on your own. You will find it’s very hard to slack off with a trainer standing over you, telling you to do just”one…more…rep!”

5. You Want to Learn How to Exercise on your Own

Even if your long term goal is to design your own training programs then hiring a trainer who can teach you the way the body works and what to avoid can be a great way to avoid common injuries and will help you make an informed decision as to why you have used a specific exercise in your program as apposed to just doing something that we have seen someone in the gym do. A good trainer will teach you have to exercise with perfect form so that you will be safe while training on your own.

6. You Need Motivating and Accountability

Having a personal trainer is like having a never ending fountain of motivation and encouragement. Not only are you investing money in your health, you are also saving time. There’s nothing like having an appointment to get you motivated to get your butt off the sofa when your trainer is waiting for you. A personal trainer will also hold you accountable to the things that you say you will do. Even if you haven’t got a training session a trainer will ask you if you have been eating healthy and doing your planned workouts.

7. You Have an Injury, Illness or Health Condition

If you have any previous injuries or specific issues like arthritis, heart disease etc., then working with an experienced trainer (who works with your doctor, of course) can help design a program to help heal injuries and avoid any further problems. Its also a great idea to work with a trainer if you are pregnant and want a safe, effective workout to keep you and the baby fit and healthy. Be sure that your trainer has experience and understands your health issues.

8. You’re Training for a Specific Sport or Event

If you’re training for a specific sporting event such as a triathlon or golf tournament then an experienced trainer can help by designing a fitness program around your specific sport. Just be sure that your trainer has experience designing programs for your specific sport as not all trainers offer a sports specific service.

9. You Want Support and Supervision during Workouts

Some people know how to exercise and lift weights correctly from years of experience. However if you are just starting out then a trainer will be able to supervise your training and teach you proper exercise technique. If you are lifting heavy weights then having a trainer to “spot” you will ensure you are safe while attempting to lift personal best poundage’s

10. You Want to Workout at Home

If you would like to workout at home but have little or no equipment then a trainer can design a program around this and even offer advice on what equipment would be a good investment to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Train Hard, Eat Smart!

Marc