Motivation Ideas Especially Through the Holidays

Most people know that physical activity enhances mood, circulation, digestion and appearance. There is inherent reward built into staying active. 
Positive reinforcement is one way to help facilitate behavior change. 
Rewards for exercising regularly enhance motivation and enjoyment. Here are some ideas…

Buy Some Awesome Fitness Clothes

Make exercise extra special with tools that are useful and fun to grab on the way out the door. Keep it simple—a water bottle, towel and outfit, or get great clothes with motivational sayings fun colors. 

Great Music

There’s nothing like groovy tunes to keep the body moving through a workout. Music moves the body and keeps the pace. Spotify is a music service that when upgraded will match beats per minute of songs to running pace and select music accordingly, just like a private dee-jay!

FITNESS TRACKER

A pedometer or smart watch might be just the investment needed to stay on schedule. These devices monitor activity and some even provide reminders to exercise. For the numbers person, these devices can help keep them moving every day. Prices range from as little as $10 to several hundred dollars. But it’s better to spend $100 on staying fit than dealing with health issues later on.

Fitness Goal Like…

Register for a charity walk, 5K run, obstacle course or local fitness challenge. Having a goal to work toward makes fitness a lot more fun and helps increase motivation. The benefit is twofold - training to do well at the event and the positive experience as a reward. It’s exciting to be part of something larger than personal fitness goals and to be surrounded by other positive people.

MASSAGE SORENESS AWAY

Massage therapy has many researched benefits, including better circulation, increased flexibility and stress reduction. Relaxing the mind and body is a healthy way to reinforce regular exercise. Whether a person can set aside funds and time weekly or monthly, it’s worth it!

GROUP EXERCISE CLASS

Socializing and sweating with others is highly motivating for some people. It feels more like a team effort when others are working hard together. Having your clients get motivation from other sources than just yourself keeps them invigorated. Fitness instructors have an unmatched enthusiasm and passion for exercise that is contagious. Being around like-minded people filters into all areas of life, making the investment reach beyond the class setting.

PERSONAL COACH

Personal trainers, nutritionists and health coaches will keep you on track and make you put more effort in at the same time. It’s a gift to have this kind of personal attention and facilitates better results. Having an appointment and someone who expects us to show up is priceless for many people.

This is a larger type of investment that costs money now, but can prevent health bills later. Group training or coaching over the phone are less expensive ways to get personal fitness attention.

TRAVEL

If there is a budget for it, work toward something big. It could be a trip that involves exercise, such as a cycling tour, hiking trip, scuba-diving adventure or yoga retreat. It could also be purely for pleasure and reward. You can relax and unwind from all the physical activity they’ve been doing.

Think about your reward when it’s time to exercise. Helping you to keep your motivation. Creating an association in your brain facilitates a craving for fitness that works in favor of their health.