Staying motivated is the key to exercise success

Here is a little or not so little known fact about exercise: Nearly 50 percent of people who begin an exercise program drop out within the first six months. The question is, why? What is it about sticking with a fitness routine that causes so many people to abandon it?

The answer could be, motivation. It is a simple fact of human psychology that if we want something badly enough, we’ll do everything we can to get it. Your challenge is to find out what motivates you to get serious about your health and fitness. That one thing can help you stick with it because you do not have to be part of that 50 percent. You can stay consistent throughout the entire year. It is all about finding what motivates you personally. You might have to really dig deep to figure it out too. Here are some possible motivators for you.

Do it for your health. Consistent exercise and healthy eating are the two very best things you can do for your health. You will develop a strong, healthy heart, reduce your chances of many cancers, prevent diabetes, keep a sharp mind and resist dementia and avoid many of the common ailments that come with aging. It is possible to age gracefully, and the key to this is exercise and eating well.

Do it for a healthy glow. Appearance isn’t everything, however a strong and healthy person just looks good and radiates positivity. Your demeanor will change as you develop the confidence that comes from the discipline consistent with healthy eating and exercise. You will appear more energetic and confident because you will be more energetic and confident.

Do it to relieve stress. Really. It isn’t a cliché. Exercising really does cause physical changes in your brain and nervous system that results in feelings of calmness and well-being. In fact, you may get so hooked on the mental benefits of exercise that you will crave it. No this is not crazy talk, you will be surprised once you are consistent how much better it makes you feel.

Do it to be strong. If you have never done weight training, then you literally have no idea of the total transformation that you will feel after just a few weeks. There is nothing like bending over to pick something up that normally results in discomfort, strain and even pain, only to find out that it is a piece of cake. And by getting strong now, you reduce your risk of age-related falls and fractures because you have the core strength and balance to keep yourself stable.

It is worth taking the time to discover the powerful motivators in your life. Do what it takes to get yourself moving.  Find out what makes sweating worth it. Find out what you want or actually need more than that brownie. Your health is at stake; in fact, your very life is at stake. It’s time to commit or recommit to you.

Liz Whalen is a personal trainer and health fitness specialist who lives and works in Libby. She also blogs at lizwhalenhfs.com.