It’s nearly 2020 and the excuse of not having enough time to exercise just won't cut it anymore -  there are many ways you can incorporate exercise within your busy schedule, and it’s finding the right type of exercise that’s going to help you prosper forward and actually enjoy fitness.

MEDES Lifestyle has collated five tips to help motivate and support your fitness goals.

Remember, if you fail to plan you plan to fail.

NOTE DOWN THE BENEFITS

We all know that exercise in any aspect is enough to completely change your mood and make you feel better than you did before, thus why moving your body invigorates your mind, creates those ‘happy endorphins’ and promotes overall better health.

Consider all the benefits when you exercise and create a workout routine, and this can be a simple brisk walk in the morning that shifts your whole mood and makes you feel centred before work. You might need to wake up 30 minutes earlier, but it’s these simple shifts that can make a huge positive impact on your whole day.

START SLOW

If you haven't exercised in a while, it can be quite intimidating stepping into a gym. You don't have to get it right the first few times, so instead give yourself a break and opt for a quiet evening workout such as a light jog along the beach.

Start with 10 to 15 minutes every day, then after a few days build yourself up to increase your timing and extend your route - slow and steady really does win the race!

BUILD YOUR MOTIVATION

If you struggle getting the motivation to move your body, consider watching some inspirational videos of health and fitness workouts for beginners on YouTube - this can help you understand some basics into the fitness world without being too overwhelming.

Another great way to get motivated is to listen to fitness and health related audio content such as a podcast on Spotify - better yet, listen to a podcast while you’re on your walk!

Choose your favourite playlist, go to your local gym and jump on the treadmill for 30 minutes. When you’re surrounded by people who are moving their body and oozing better health, it could be just what you need to get the momentum going. And remember, someone is watching you, so just do you.

TRIAL DIFFERENT THINGS

When you find something you love, regardless if it’s a Bikram Yoga Session or Stand Up Paddleboarding - you will be more inclined to keep going. Try different workouts that make you feel good! It sometimes helps to have a workout buddy or be surrounded by like-minded people, so search around for local exercise groups and classes and see what’s going to be best suited for you.

INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH

When you invest in your health and fitness, you’re taking yourself seriously and this could mean you’re less likely to give up. Consider purchasing a fitness gadget to help you keep track of your steps and general health, and even buying a health and fitness journal so you can jot down what you're eating and how you’re moving your body. It’s these simple things that make us feel accountable and eager to reach our goals.

REMIND YOURSELF OF YOUR WHY

Speaking of goals - what are yours? When you have no goals aligned to your actions, it’s easy to fall out of line and give up. When you have some clear, easy goals in front of you, it makes it much easier to stick to new habits. If you need some help getting clear on your why, write down 10 things that will come from exercising, whether that’s having more energy to spend with your family, fitting into your favourite pair of jeans, or having generally better health throughout the day. 

Follow inspirational people on social media and consume health and fitness content on platforms such as Pinterest to keep your inspiration at a high point. Instead or mindless scrolling of people who don’t make you feel good, surround yourself with words of positive affirmations and remember to look at your WHY every single day before you start your day and before you end it.

When you’re in a slump, make it easy for yourself and get out of your head and change your environment. Go to the beach, take a few deep breaths and enjoy a quiet walk along the water.

Healthy is for life, it’s not a short-term thing. So remember, that every day is an opportunity to be the best version of you!