- 1). One way to stay focused on an exercise routine is to throw away the scales. With the scales looming larger than life in the bathroom, weight room, enclosed porch or other area you choose to exercise in if you are at home your focus can quickly become the numbers on that scale. If the scale does not reflect what you think you should have lost from exercising, it is easy to lose focus of your goals.
- 2). Remember that muscle weighs more than fat, therefore a scale does not necessarily show a true reflection of your physical condition or loss of body fat from following a daily or weekly exercise plan.
- 3). Keep a cloth tape measure handy for taking measurements of your chest, waist, hips, upper arms, thighs and calves. Keep track of the results of your exercise routine by taking measurements only once every two to three weeks and putting it on the chart. Every time you exercise put a bright and colorful sticker on the chart.
- 4). If you are just following an exercise routine to maintain your current weight and strength level have someone take a full length picture of you in your exercise clothes to put on the fridge. You can have the picture showing you flexing your muscle, your legs poised to run or any other motivating stance. A nice photograph can be a real morale booster as it validates your hard work and determination. A photograph also helps you keep focused on your goal.
- 5). If your exercise routine is set up to help you prepare for a marathon, a race, or to raise money for different events and causes mark the date of the event on a calendar with uplifting words of praise on each date leading up to the event. Flattery and praise, whether it is self praise or praise you receive from others is uplifting and can make you feel good about what you are doing. This can also help you stay focused on your exercise routine.
- 6). If your exercise routine is a way to get in shape or to lose weight, go shopping and take a picture of, or purchase an outfit that you would love to have. Include shoes and other accessories, the whole package. Post those on the fridge or another place like on a bedroom dresser mirror or door at eye level and each time you lose 5 to 10 lbs. put one of those bright colored stickers by the outfit or pencil in a word of praise or accomplishment with a bright colored marker.
- 7). Take the time to pause and say a daily, positive affirmation to yourself in the mirror, come up with a jaunty or silly rhyme related to your exercise routine to say before and after exercising.
- 8). Ask a friend, co-worker, family member or other adult you are in close contact with to join you when you exercise, either to exercise with you or just to chat with during your routine. As the saying goes, "the more the merrier."
- 9). No matter what kind of exercise routine you choose, find a rhythm to move to. This will help you stay focused on the routine and make the routine seem more like fun than work. This is why so many people jog, run or workout to music.
- 10
Every time you reach a milestone in your exercise routine take the time to give yourself a special treat whether that is a massage, a trip to a spa or some special bath salts or shower gel you've been wanting to try. Go out for a chef's salad or other specialty salad and add a flavored spritzer. Or go to the movies, buy a book, anything to mark each little success. Being nice to yourself is another way to help stay focused on your exercise routine or your goals.
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