Everybody knows how challenging losing weight and getting fit can be. There are tons of things to keep in mind: healthy food, effective workouts, change of habits, planning… But most importantly, how to stay on track when life gets on your way? In this guide, we’ll cover some science-backed strategies for weight loss motivation to help you create a sustainable fitness routine.
Let’s dive in.
Set Realistic Goals That Align With Your Values
Many make mistakes by setting unrealistic goals, for example, losing 70 pounds in two months.
Another common mistake is setting goals based on desires rather than values.
If you value your health, losing extra pounds won’t be as meaningful as boosting your health with healthy food and effective workout routines. If family and friends are at the core of your values, setting a goal to lead an active lifestyle benefits your health and enhances your quality of life, allowing you to be more present for your loved ones.
This way the process of goal-setting becomes a reflection of who you are and what you stand for.
Research consistently highlights the profound impact of realistic and meaningful goals on achieving long-term success. One popular method for setting realistic goals is SMART. It helps us to create Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.
So take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you. Craft goals that align with your values to make it easier and more convenient to fit them into your life.
Choose the Right Workout Routine For Yourself
Finding the right workout routine that not only aligns with your fitness goals but also brings joy is crucial to staying committed to working out and achieving long-term goals.
Studies show that when working out becomes a part of our identity, it affects the way we behave. It’s easier to stay committed, not because working out is something that we do, but because it is something that we are.
Luckily for us, nowadays there are many activities we can choose from.
Whether you’re drawn to the rhythmic beats of Zumba, the meditative flow of yoga, the intensity of HIIT workouts, the strength-building focus of weight training, or the effective approach of full-body workouts, the key is finding what works best for you.
Group fitness classes offer a sense of community and camaraderie. Furthermore, some research shows that people would work out more frequently when in a group. Other benefits may include meeting new people, being motivated and inspired by others, having support from the group, etc.
On the other hand, working with a personal trainer may help you get a tailored approach, save you time, and ensure you have the proper form and technique for each exercise.
Don’t be afraid to explore different options to find the one that’s most suitable for you.
Track Progress And Celebrate Victories With Small Rewards
Tracking your progress is important for different reasons.
According to the American Psychology Association, tracking your progress could help increase your chances of success. The act of tracking creates a tangible record of your efforts, allowing you to see how far you’ve come and providing the motivation to keep going. It’s like having a personal roadmap, guiding you through the twists and turns of your fitness journey.
Plus, regularly monitoring your progress enables you to identify patterns in your routine. This can help you see what works and what doesn’t.
How to Track Progress
There are different ways of tracking your progress.
If you like journaling, you can keep a Workout Journal, where you can track your exercises, how you felt during and after each session, which food brings you the most energy, etc. You can even have your measurements or photos to get visual evidence of your progress.
You can also use the latest tech gadgets. From Fitness apps like MyFitnessPal to smartwatches, you can track workouts, calories, steps, and overall progress.
Celebrating Victories
Celebrating victories, both big and small, is crucial for maintaining weight loss motivation.
From the famous Pavlov’s experiment with his dog to some recent research, scientists agree that rewards keep us motivated. By celebrating victories, you reinforce positive behaviors and create a positive association with your fitness journey.
If you’re unsure which rewards to choose, there are many options. From non-food rewards like new workout gear to help you feel even better in the gym to relaxing rewards like a massage or a nice candle. You can even plan a weekend getaway, a hiking trip, or any adventure that aligns with your active lifestyle when you achieve some of your fitness goals.
Interested in the differences, and pros and cons between group fitness and personal training?
Plan Ahead
We live in a fast-changing world, our days packed with endless to-do lists, so finding time for a gym can sometimes be a real challenge.
Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, family responsibilities, or a busy social life, planning ahead can help you stay on track.
But that’s just the cherry on the cake.
Research shows that planning ahead is linked to our sense of autonomy. Being in control of our own choices and decisions has a profound impact on staying motivated. It makes you a boss of your own weight loss motivation.
By planning your workouts you could make the most of the time you have. Schedule your workout sessions into your calendar just like you schedule important meetings or tasks. That way you’re more likely to treat them as non-negotiable appointments.
Also, you may notice how some of the most famous business people like Mark Zuckerberg always wear the same clothes. He says he does that to “avoid wasting time or silly things”.
But he’s not wrong. The mental energy required to decide when and what to do for your workout or what to eat before/ after your workout can be draining. Planning ahead eliminates this decision fatigue, streamlining your path to action.
You don’t have to eat the same food over and over again, or do the same workout every day (nor is it recommended) but knowing what you’ll do/eat that week makes the whole process easier.
How to Plan Ahead
Planning ahead may be your secret weapon to staying motivated on your fitness journey. By strategically organizing your time, gear, and even meal options, you’re making the whole process more convenient for yourself.
- Create a Weekly Schedule
Organize your week ahead so you can see when you’ll have the most free time for working out.
Whether it’s a morning jog, a lunchtime yoga session, or an evening weightlifting routine, having a clear schedule helps you stay on track.
- Prepare Your Gear
Ever found yourself deterred from a workout because you couldn’t find your favorite T-shirt or your resistance bands? You’re not the only one. Pack your gym bag the night before to eliminate last-minute obstacles.
- Know Some Easy-to-Make Healthy Meals
A lack of time often leads to unhealthy food choices, but with a bit of planning, you can have nutritious meals at your fingertips. Know some easy-to-make healthy recipes that require minimal preparation. Stock your kitchen with veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains to ensure that even on hectic days, you can eat healthy.
Social Support and Accountability
Whether it’s a workout buddy, a fitness class, or even an online community, the benefits of connecting with others are numerous.
Research shows that having social support makes us mentally tough and confident. Because of this, we’re more likely to take the initiative to work out on our own without anyone telling us to.
Another study shows that feeling supported is linked to feeling better about working out. The study also found that when we have that social support, we’re more committed to your workouts and more likely to stick to your exercise routine.
But the benefits don’t stop there.
When you share your fitness goals with friends, family, or workout buddies, you introduce a layer of external accountability that can be a powerful motivator. A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology shows that individuals who were part of an accountability group lost more weight and were more likely to maintain their weight loss over time compared to those who did not have the support of an accountability group.
So don’t be afraid to share your goals and progress with others. Whether that is your partner, a family member, or you have your own workout group, having support will support you in reaching your fitness goals.
Conclusion
Even though reaching your fitness goals can be challenging, armed with these science-backed strategies, you have the power to turn your goals into reality.
And even though it may be hard, we’re capable of doing hard things.
At HiTone Fitness, you’ll find everything you need to get fit: experienced personal trainers ready to answer all of your questions, a supporting community in small fitness group classes, and a welcoming atmosphere in a 24/7 gym filled with state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment. And when you need a little relaxation after your workout, you can pamper yourself with the benefits of HydroMassage Beds, Infrared Sauna, Biocharger, and Red Light Therapy.
Find your location to start crushing those fitness goals.
