If you're not a sporty person, then finding the motivation to get physically active might be close to impossible. Be as it may, it's very important to push ourselves and take up a sports activity, not only because it's extremely healthy, but because it can make our days much more interesting as well. And even though you might not like sports and sweating at this very moment, the chances of the sports activity catching up on you are pretty high. So, it goes without saying that you should be physically active. But how to start? How to make yourself hit the gym or take up a sport? And more importantly, how to remain motivated after the first training?
Baby steps
The first key is in baby steps. Many people believe that once they take up a sport or hit the gym, they need to push themselves to the maximum, but this is simply not true. Starting slow and small is the best way. This way, not only will you give your muscles the opportunity to get used to training, but it's also going to be excellent for you and your stamina. If you haven't been physically active for some time, then you can't expect yourself to run miles or lift big weights, do you? Your gym sessions don't have to be long at first either. Start with a slow warm-up of 10-15 minutes, and then choose your own exercises that you will be doing for about half an hour, and allocate another 15 minutes for the post-workout stretch. Having one-hour workouts is an excellent tempo to follow.
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Make time
One of the most popular excuses for not being physically active is lack of time. Now, you might be very busy and have plenty of things to do, but you can always make some time for your exercises. Beyoncé has 24 hours a day just as you, so what is your excuse? Planning your week in advance can help you a lot here, especially as you will get to see where exactly you could squeeze in your workout. Remember that you don't have to hit the gym every single day; you can also go with three times a week, plus the weekends if necessary. But if you really want to stay physically active, you will find time.
Get equipment
However, there's nothing more motivating than buying new equipment. Knowing that you will be working out in the clothes that look good on you is just another plus of buying new shorts, shoes and T-shirts. Moreover, make sure that you actually have everything you need. First and foremost, comfortable shoes are the most important, followed by compression clothing. But you should pay attention to the overlooked items too. You might also want to buy a water bottle that you will take with you to the gym (hydration is crucial), and a good bag where you will put everything. This might cost a bit in the end, but it's extremely motivating, and the chances of you sticking to your exercise routine are very high.
Set goals
Setting specific goals for yourself cannot be a bad thing. What's more, this is how a good sportsman works out. It's very important to have an exercise plan in your hand before hitting the gym, and by doing so, you will have to set specific goals, such as the mileage you want to run, the weights you want to lift or the calories that you want to burn. However, make sure that the goals you set are achievable, simple and clear. Once you know where to go, it's going to be easier to get there.
The best activity
It's important to know that it's not only hitting the gym that counts as exercise. Perhaps you dread the idea of going to the gym and working out in closed space, but that's completely OK, as this is not the only form of exercising. You can also take up a sport that you've wanted for a long time and sign up for beginner's classes. At the end of the day, what's important is that you want to indulge in that physical activity, so find one that makes you happy and that you want to succeed in.
It's definitely easier said than done, but getting and staying physically active is not impossible. All it takes is determination, will and devotion, and the sky is the limit. No, but seriously – try to motivate yourself in all the best ways, and stay true to yourself. Be patient and you will most definitely see the results. Who knows, perhaps this time next year you will be a hell of a sportsman!