When you start a new exercise regime it’s normal to experience some soreness

When you start a new exercise regime it’s normal to experience some soreness. Muscles you didn’t even know you had are giving you grief and it may all feel like a bit of an uphill struggle. And it’s not just your body. One of the biggest barriers to getting into an exercise routine is your mind. We are creatures of habit, and if you’ve not done much for a while, finding the motiovation to get up and go can be a real mental battle.

But don’t be discouraged. You’re going through the beginner’s pain barrier and after a week or two, this should be a distant memory.

If you feel your enthusiasm dipping at any point, here are our top 10 tips to boost your motivation:

1. Be realistic. Remind yourself that you want to become more active because it’ll help you become healthier and lose weight. It’s a crucial component of your 12-week journey.

2. Schedule it. Plan your exercise at the start of the week and put it in your diary. Planning in advance when, how and where you will exercise will increase your chances of making physical activity a normal part of your lifestyle. Even simple approaches like laying out your running kit or packing your gym bag the night before can help.

3. Pat yourself on the back. Look back at your weekly food and activity chart to remind yourself how much you’ve already achieved.

4. Spread the word. Share your plans and achievements with other people; you’ll feel obliged to keep going!

5. Phone a friend. Find a friend or a relative to exercise with, or perhaps join a group or club. A workout buddy can provide feedback, support and entertainment – they also put pressure on you to turn up!

6. Pump yourself up. Music is a great motivator so pick your playlist, plug your headphones in and listen to your favourite workout songs while you exercise.

7. Be flexible. Change activities if you’re not enjoying them. If cycling isn’t doing it for you, why not go swimming or even try some fitness classes at the gym instead.

8. Remember, the hardest part of exercising is getting out of the door – so once you’ve passed that hurdle, it should be plain sailing.

9. Set goals. They don’t need to be grand achievements. For instance, try to walk a little bit more each day, take the stairs instead of the lift or walk part of the way to work. Keeping a written record of these mini-goals can help you to see your progress over time.

10. Reward yourself. Set yourself non-food rewards for achieving stages along the way. There’s nothing like an incentive to spur you on!

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