Seven Successful Tips to Training Motivation . . .

Karen Harding, ASN Elite Sponsored Athlete

Winter is generally a time when less skin is exposed and more comfort food is consumed, so how do we stay motivated, healthy and look great no matter what the season? All types of training, whether it be weight training or cardiovascular training, is about developing health, wellbeing and a more positive self-image and self-esteem. Let's face it, when we look good we have a better outlook on life, the sky seems bluer and small problems don't seem to get us down quite so much.

Keeping motivated is difficult for everyone which is why goal setting, creating visualisations and working out the steps to reach your goals are key ingredients to achieving your hearts desires. The mind is so powerful it can take your body to places you never thought possible by knowing that you are the one in control and there is only one voice in your head.....your own.

So you love food and it's a part of your life right? Mine too! I am an absolute food lover so for me it’s about keeping it simple and realistic, but it's important not to be afraid of change and where change can take you. Work out what changes need to be made to your lifestyle to allow you to live life to the fullest. Be the best YOU can be and don't let other people's standards or ideals be yours if you are not going to feel satisfied with the outcomes.

So what motivates me? The answer lies in something we all have...Desire. What do you want? How much do you want it? Continually focussing on this objective quantifies the journey and ultimate goal. Find your desire and make it work for you; use some determination and the ability to know that you can do it.

We are all trying to improve ourselves, mentally, physically and intellectually to varying degrees. Exercise in general gives us an outlet for stress and tension and the body's need for activity, but make it enjoyable. How many of us slog it out doing exercise we don't really like just going through the motions and getting it done with? Follow some tips to maximize your motivation before its summer again and be proud of your hard work!

TIPS TO STAY MOTIVATED!!!!

1 Train with a friend or partner.

2 Join a Health Club that provides the programs best suited to you.

3 Surround yourself with positive people who support you and inspire you.

4 Have a clearly defined direction and visual image of what you are setting out to achieve by writing short and long term goals and make sure you implement them by reading and reviewing regularly.

5 Hire a Personal Trainer with a proven background in helping others achieve their goals.

6 Find someone to mirror! If they are doing what you want to, ask them how and try it out!

7 My number one tip is something I tell myself every day; never ever ever ever ever ever give up!