Fitness for Women – Five Ways to Be Motivated and to Enjoy Exercise
Oftentimes we hear grudges by our female peers that fitness is difficult, they hate the sweat but still looking forward to a perfect curve through a stringent, and sometimes, unhealthy diet. But fitness is not all about lacing up the best running shoes to pound a treadmill and staying active can still be enjoyable even without you realizing that it is a workout.
In an interview with fitness guru Annie Deadman by womanandhome.com, she shared her top workout tips that will not only boost their workout motivation, but also get them excited to workout even more.
WHY IS FITNESS SO IMPORTANT FOR WOMEN?
Firstly, it is important to look at our understanding of fitness for women and why it is so important. It is not just about looking good, feeling great and helping to maintain a healthy weight, but it is actually an essential way to protect your body as you get older.
“As we age, our muscle mass naturally decreases, so staying active – particularly by including resistance training your workout – is a great way to counteract this,” reveals Ben Jackson, owner of gym F45 South Wimbledon, in the womanandhome.com article.
One study even found that we lose 3% to 8% of our muscle mass every 10 years after the age of 30, and this is accelerated after the age of 60.
“There is also the bone boosting benefit of exercise,” says Ben. “Women, particularly, are at a higher risk of symptoms of osteoporosis due to hormonal changes during menopause. Exercise can help slow down this bone loss.”
Plus, there are the mental health benefits that staying fit can bring. Shifts in the levels of hormones for a woman going through menopause can lead to low moods. “The endorphins released during exercise can help trigger positive feelings,” tays Ben.
1) Be Inspired By The Best Fitness Channels on YouTube
“If you are working out at home, go on YouTube and find nine workouts which interest you,” says Annie. “Then, e-mail the links to yourself. If you do three of these a week, that’s three weeks’ worth of workouts. Then do them again (only better) in the following three weeks.”
Not sure where to start? Head to YouTube and simply search the type of workout you want and the length. For example, “20 minute beginner dumbbell workout”.
2) Keeping A Workout Journal is Important
Keeping a workout journal allows you to see progression each week, which is good news if you want to quit as your progress feels too slow.
“Whether it be your step count, number of runs or the length of your yoga for weight loss class. Whatever it is, writing it down makes it all the more real and allows you to see how far you have come,” says Annie.
In saying this, don’t worry if you are not improving. We are not machines and everyone will have quieter weeks than others.
Motivation will have its peaks and troughs and it is important to also be kind to ourselves. Realising this will help motivation in the long term.
3) Working Out with Friends Is Better – Even Virtually
Start a WhatsApp group with friends to keep each other accountable.
“Add friends and family members who are also on a mission to keep fit, and tell each other what you plan to do, or what you have done,” says Annie.
“If your friend says she is off for a 5km walk in the morning, you might be more inclined to ensure you do the same. Equally, if you tell the group that you plan on lifting some weights this evening, you will be disappointed more than just yourself if you don’t do it.”
Research suggests that we are influenced by the exercise behaviours of those around us. A 2016 study found that overweight people lose more weight if they spend time with their fitter friends.
4) New Workout Buys Can Boost Your Motivation
It is time to treat yourself to some new fitness items. Clothes, accessories and supplements are some of the things that can keep you motivated.
“When opting for new sportswear, make sure it is comfortable and fits well. As, if it does not fit quite right, you will be less motivated to work out in it,” says Annie. “The worst thing you can do is head out on a walk or a run with leggings that slip down. Equally, it is incredibly infuriating wearing a sports bra that does not hold your breasts in place.”
Wearing the right footwear is also key. “No one wants to head on a walk or run in uncomfortable shoes,” says Annie. “You are destined to suffer from blisters and cuts, which will only delay your progress. Plus, it will give you an excuse to ditch the workout.”
Better yet, get some supplements to get the motivation going. By having an immediate or instant gratification to feel good and feel as though your workout has not failed your feelings is also a key to success. Get your MMX supplements here: https://nutritionpro.my/brand/muscle-metabolix/
5) Book A Fitness Challenge to Complete
Book an event or a challenge in the future and work towards it. “Knowing you have a goal – and an end in sight – is often enough motivation to get people moving,” says Annie. “Doing this with a friend is also a good idea as you can spur each other on.”
Still not confident enough to sign up now? Then you could always plan your own. How about setting a date in a few months time where you will all agree to complete a challenge. This could be a 10km run, a 12-hour overnight walk to raise money for charity, or even a YouTube 30-day workout challenge. If you have the right equipment, a virtual bike ride in front of your room could also do the magic.
Article source: https://www.womanandhome.com/health-wellbeing/fitness-for-women-5-ways-to-boost-motivation-and-enjoy-exercise/