If you have trouble staying motivated to workout try and find activities that combine things you enjoy and a social aspect to help make exercise more enticing to you. Group exercises classes you can perform with friends can increase exercise motivation and improve adherence. Find an activity you enjoy and bring your friends along, or join a recreational sports league like soccer, softball, ultimate Frisbee or volleyball. This way you can combine social activities with exercise.
There are two factors that are crucial to the success of your physical activity plan. One is that you truly enjoy the activities that you do. There are enough choices that virtually everyone can find an activity he or she genuinely loves. For example, if you walk, find someone you enjoy walking with -- soon the walks will be the most fun parts of the day.
The second is that you have the support of your family. Talk to your spouse or partner about the need for physical activity and its importance for both of you. Each of you can set physical activity goals. When one of you reaches a goal, have the other cook a really tasty saturated-fat-free celebratory meal or give some other reward. It may sound corny, but encouraging someone to stay in shape is the best way to say, "I love you." It means you want that person to be around for a long time. Use physical activity as a way to be together in spite of busy schedules. You can tell each other about the day's events just as easily walking together or exercising on bikes at the gym as you can in front of the TV at home.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.