Motivation is a funny old thing. The driving force behind any behaviour or action you do, it can push people to get up at unsociable hours to train, lift beyond their assumed limits, and in elite cases dedicate their whole lives to fitness. But when it’s not working in your favour, it can make working out feel the hardest thing in the world.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get things moving in the right direction again – whether it’s been a while since you trained or you’ve simply hit a bit of a rut in your progress. From science-backed strategies to coach-approved techniques, here are 19 different ways to rediscover your fitness mojo.
01. Find your ‘why’ “I get my clients to write down five reasons why they want to do exercise on a small postcard and have that pinned up in the kitchen over the chopping board,” says sport and exercise mindset coach and psychologist Matt Cunliffe.
“It doesn’t really matter what your five reasons are – they could be getting shredded or feeling more confident, but if you don’t have those reasons, you’re going to lose motivation quite quickly.”
02. Break it down “Once you’ve set yourself a long-term goal, break it down into smaller, bite-sized pieces,” explains personal trainer Ty Paul. “Psychologically, it will help because you’re constantly achieving those small steps, which will cumulatively help you achieve your long-term goal.
Denne historien er fra September 2022-utgaven av Men's Fitness UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2022-utgaven av Men's Fitness UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SCIENCE SAYS...EXERCISE CAN HELP IMPROVE MEMORY
We all know that exercise W delivers proven physical benefits. Most smart watches can tell us whether our endurance levels are improving. But what about the mental health benefits? These metrics have always been more anecdotal - and therefore harder to measure.
DON'T DROP THE BOMB
Could a 100g post-workout protein-bomb actually work?New science has just overturned the standard advice on protein with some surprising results for post-workout nutrition
ROLL WITH IT
It won't have escaped your notice that the equipment inventory for most gyms now includes recovery items such as foam rollers, massage guns and spikey balls, all of which can be used in self-myofascial release, which growing evidence suggests is essential for maintaining your muscles in peak condition.
DUMBBELLS & GYM BALL INTRODUCTION
A set of dumbbells and a gym ball can give you serious muscle gains
EVERYTHING'S GONE GREEN
A new breed of eco-friendly running shoe is hitting the streets. We take a look at the main contenders
THE HIGHS & LOWS
Following on from the success of his Sunday Times bestselling The Good Bite's High-Protein Meal-Prep Manual, Niall Kirkland is back with a new collection of delicious and indulgent high-protein recipes - all under 500 calories.
CUT TO THE QUICK
Speed, balance and co-ordination are all benefits of agility training. So isn't it about time you added it in to your programme?
Confessions of a HYROX VIRGIN
Turning a cyclist into a runner is one thing, but can you target a Hyrox in four months in your fifties? Frank Bauer finds out
THE GYM COMMANDMENTS
To get bigger, stronger or leaner, you must master the basics of training. Adhere to these ten rules from the best in the business and build a better body
RETREAT INTO YOURSELF
Allowing yourself time to retreat from the everyday can have a powerful impact on your mental wellbeing. Joe Minihane investigates
