If you want to improve your mental and physical health by leading a more active lifestyle, this blog post is perfect for you. Often, it can be difficult to have the motivation to work out on a consistent basis. However, it is important to put more emphasis on the positive aspects of changing behaviour. This can make it a more pleasurable experience, leading the brain to release increased dopamine and serotonin levels. If you learn how to enjoy exercising, this could elevate those transmitters’ levels and make exercise a more positive and rewarding experience. The more you exercise, the better you will feel about yourself, resulting in long-term behaviour change and a healthier life. In order to shift your focus and approach exercise to obtain a healthier life, and make it a daily habit, keep reading ahead.
Reward Yourself
Treat yourself with a reward after you finish doing all of your scheduled workouts or hit a goal. You can purchase something that you will get good use out of, like a new piece of exercise clothing, or take yourself out on a relaxing trip to the spa. Treating yourself to a reward will activate the pleasure centers in your brain. Thus, it establishes a positive outlook toward the role that exercise plays in your life.
Schedule Your Workouts
If you take the time to plan your schedule around, including time for a workout, there is a higher chance that it will become a regular habit. Over the weekend, create a plan for when and where you will exercise and add that into your schedule.
Set Forth a Learning Goal
It is important to put more focus on learning goals – the steps required to achieve an outcome – rather than only the end result. Putting more of your energy towards the actual process of learning a new exercise technique can release more dopamine. This occurs as a response to positive learning experiences, which allows your brain to associate exercise with pleasure.
Have a Change in Perspective
Refocus your outcome goals to having a quality of life rather than chasing society’s unrealistic beauty standards. Instead of using exercise to change how you look, use it to improve your overall health and quality of life. This shift in focus can impact your motivation levels by pushing you to maintain a more consistent workout schedule.
Start Journaling
Track your progress and record your feelings after doing exercises. You can use the notes app on your phone or jot down a few brief statements. Ask yourself questions, like whether you felt accomplished or if you were able to complete an exercise for the first time, for example. Writing down the positive aspects of the session and the emotions it brought up can shift your mindset to focusing more on the process, as opposed to only the outcome.
Find a Workout Buddy
Trying to change your mentality and lifestyle on your own can present challenges of its own. But having a friend join you can make the journey less lonely. Ask a friend or family member to be your workout partner to keep you accountable. That way, you are less likely to avoid your workout sessions. If you and your workout partner commit to exercising together, there is a huge likelihood that you will enjoy the experience even more, which is pivotal for turning it into a long-term habit.
Through taking these steps to focus on the positive aspects of working out, you can change your perception of exercise. As a result, it will become easier to make it a consistent habit, and you can experience long-lasting results from your efforts. If you are looking for the best gym and fitness club in London, Ontario, visit us at Forest City Fitness! We always welcome individuals of all fitness levels, and are open 24/7/365 – and that means holidays too! Our team of staff are dedicated to maintaining a positive atmosphere where you can have fun while fulfilling your fitness goals. We offer a smoothie bar that will cater to your fitness goals, yummy indulgences, and state-of-the-art cardio and machines. Call us or send an email at [email protected]. We cannot wait to make your fitness journey a memorable one!
