Data shows that doing more exercise is the most common New Year’s resolution in the UK. Over 50% of Brits vowed to be more active in 2024. Embracing an active lifestyle is often easier at the start of a new fitness routine, but it’s common to lose interest or slip back into old habits. If you struggle to maintain motivation once the novelty of training has worn off, here are some tips for an effective, long-term fitness regime.
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Vary Training Activities
One of the main reasons why people lose interest in going to the gym or working out is boredom. Doing the same thing over and over again, day in, day out can contribute to plunging motivation levels. Varying activities is an excellent way to make exercise more fun, develop new skills and ensure every week is interesting and exciting. Focus on your passions and hobbies and the sports and activities you enjoy most. You could combine gym sessions and exercise classes with playing team sports or getting out into the great outdoors and going hiking, swimming, climbing or kayaking, for example.
Hire a Personal Trainer
It can be challenging to push yourself or find the extra energy to work hard and keep going if you’re exercising alone. Hiring a personal trainer is a brilliant way to take advantage of professional skills, training and expertise and capitalise on having a cheerleader to support, guide and encourage you. The best trainers know how to motivate individuals while working towards personalised goals using tailored exercise and nutrition plans. It’s particularly beneficial to consider working with a personal trainer if you’re starting from scratch, you have a history of injuries, you have underlying health or mobility issues or you feel like you’re stuck in a rut and you need help.
Make Exercise Part of Your Daily Routine
Making exercise part of your daily routine is one of the most effective ways to embrace physical activity as a long-term lifestyle change. Incorporate exercise every day. This doesn’t have to mean going to the gym, running or doing a home workout. It can include taking the dog for a walk, going for a gentle jog or a swim with a friend or catching up with your partner during a golf, tennis or yoga date, for example. Try to think of exercise in the same way as other daily activities, such as getting washed and dressed, going to work and catching up with friends.
Maintain Motivation
It’s easier to motivate yourself to be more active if you understand why it’s beneficial. Regular exercise improves your mood, enhances sleep quality and lowers the risk of health conditions ranging from type 2 diabetes and heart disease to some types of cancer, osteoporosis, depression and Alzheimer’s disease. To learn more about the health effects of exercise, you can research online using reputable sources, speak to medical professionals and personal trainers and read blogs, magazines and books.
Doing more exercise is the most common resolution in the UK but many people struggle to adopt long-term changes. If you’re eager to buck the trend and embrace an active lifestyle, effective steps include varying training activities, working with a personal trainer, incorporating exercise in your daily routine and learning more about the health and well-being benefits of physical activity.