Embarking on a new exercise routine can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or simply enhance your overall wellbeing, the journey begins with that crucial first step: motivation. This week’s blog post is written by our Group Health and Fitness Manager James Rowntree, on his top 10 tips for staying motivated when you begin a new exercise journey.
1. Set Clear Goals 💪
Having specific and achievable goals can provide direction and a sense of purpose. A strong goal for beginners is to maintain their new routine for the first 6 weeks. If you can get through this, there is every chance your new workout will become a permanent part of your weekly routine!
2. Track your Progress 📈
Keeping a track of your improvements, whether it’s weight loss, strength gains or endurance, can be very encouraging and great motivation for you to keep going.
3. Find Enjoyable Activities 🤸
Choosing exercises that are fun and enjoyable makes it easier to stick with them. Remember, if going to the gym is not your thing, there are so many other ways to stay healthy and fit. We have lots of options at the University of Bristol of fun ways to get active, from hiring a court and playing with your friends, to having a casual swim at our pool.
4. Create a Routine 📆
Establishing a regular workout schedule helps to build consistency. Make sure the times you choose to exercise are the easiest for you, as the more obstacles you face, the greater the chance you’ll miss a session.
5. Mix It up! 🤩
Exercising doesn’t have to be boring and repetitive; vary your workouts to keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
6. Exercise with Others 👯
Exercising with friends or joining a fitness community can provide motivation and accountability. Our B:Active programme has a whole range of fun, social exercise options for students, where you can meet like-minded others! For non-students looking to join our fitness community, we also offer a wide range of in-person exercise classes to suit everyone’s abilities.
7. Visualise Success ✨
Imagining the benefits and results of regular exercise can keep you motivated. Do you want to be able to run a 5km in under 40 minutes? Or, be able to swim 20 laps without stopping? Whatever success looks like to you, finding an online champion who has been on the same journey you’re aiming for is a great way to keep you going.
8. Stay Educated 😎
Learning about the health benefits of exercise can reinforce why you’re doing it!
9. Practise Mindfulness 🧘
Spend a few minutes each day practising mindfulness or meditation. A study found that adding mindfulness training into your routine can boost your motivation to exercise, helping you to commit to staying active over time.
10. Reward Yourself! 🏅
If you hit your targets, no matter how big or small, reward yourself! It’s important to take a moment and look at how far you’ve come with your new exercise journey and rewarding yourself is a great way to appreciate this. You deserve it 🌟
💡 Struggling to find activities to keep you motivated? Explore our Sport, Exercise and Health website for a whole range of activities and programmes that we offer to help inspire you on your exercise journey.