ARTICLES

HOW TO KEEP MOTIVATED WITHOUT LOSING YOUR SHIRT
By: Jimmy Caig David R. Del rosario John M. Celis
Source: http://www.dreamlife.com

How many times have you said, "I'll do it later" or "I don't have time." Sound familiar di ba?

Exercise avoidance is more common in society than you think. The key to getting motivated relates to wanting to see improvements in your body and health. Most of all, a taste of desire is needed to realize how beneficial it is to make exercise a part of your daily life.

Excuses like I'm too tired, or that I need my sleep, or need to study; basically that I have more important things to do. I don't work out because I'm still attractive, and honestly, because I'm lazy.

A bit of information that keeps you motivated is the simple fact that muscle burns more calories than fat. The leaner you are the more calories you burn.

Here's the basic things to do and I will tell youa million times and is a well known fact: Drink More Water! Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This helps you feel full and is great for you. Plus it does not have the calories that soda, fruit juice and other drinks have. Eat smaller meals more often. It will help you keep your energy levels up and decrease the likelihood of binge eating.

To help you stay motivated and meet your goals of losing weight and feeling great let me share you a list of top 10 tips:

1) Set reachable goals. For example write a personal mission statement. Ask yourself why you are doing this and how it will improve your life. Have a work out calendar that shows when you are going to work out and when you actually do.

2) Keep an exercise journal. Keep track of what you do, the improvements you have made and most of all how you feel. As time goes on you will notice how you can exercise longer, lift more weights and go through your day with more ease.

3) Keep a food journal. This will help you learn what your weaknesses are and what you should eat less or more of.

4) Maintain a regular work out schedule. By making it a habit you'll be more likely to stick with it. Once you see a difference in your body you won't need it to be a habit. You will want to keep exercising.

5) Take photos of yourself before you start exercising, after a few weeks, and then after a few months. The pictures will show improvement and help you to stay motivated.

6) Work out with a friend. By having someone to work out with you will have to go or you'll feel guilty, plus you can learn new techniques together. It can make working out more fun and you can push each other to work out harder.

7) Have fun with your fitness. Variety in your workouts will keep it interesting and help you to avoid a plateau or get bored.

8) Do something active even if you are unable to work out. Such as push ups, jumping jacks, squats, lunges, stretching or crunches. Just take 15 minutes out of your day, it's better than nothing.

9) Get enough sleep each night. Being deprived of sleep will not help you in any way shape or form.

10) Develop an "I can do it attitude." Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. Think positive.

On top of all of these great tips, never forget it is not how much you weigh but how you feel. Be patient and with time you will feel and look great. Exercising and eating a balanced diet will make you feel better about yourself. It can decrease stress levels and help you stay focused and energized throughout your day.

Next time you hear an excuse come out of your mouth, stop yourself and say, "What am I thinking?" There is always time to exercise; it all boils down to the fact of whether or not you are willing to make
time. The key is to try, so stop making excuses and get on with a more active life.

Please always remember this... the fate of your body and health is in your hands.