One of the big motivators for starting a fitness regime is to lose weight. It’s tough though, cutting back on some of the sweets and treats that we like and getting out more seems like a struggle.
The main thing is to remember why you started, what switch went off in your head to prompt you to start this journey, and keep focusing on that, it’s a journey and you will get to your destination.
Here are a few tips for you to help stay motivated.
“Trying on clothes at Costco” by m01229 is licensed under CC by-sa-2.0 
Clothes
When we start a weight loss regime, most of us are not happy with how we look in our clothes, they’re too tight, they don’t fit right, it’s hard to find the right sizes in shops. Once you set a weight target though and work hard, you will reach that goal, and those clothes will fit and I can tell you’ll feel a lot better in yourself for putting in the hard work to get there and the sacrifices you have made.
If you have a dress or even a suit you maybe don’t fit comfortably in anymore, use that to help you stay motivated so you can get back into it and it fits comfortably.
“One and Other-Mental Health” by Feggy Art is licensed under CC by-nc-nd-2.0 
Mental health
This is a very important one, mental health is a huge topic and will become more a part of our lives in how we manage it, especially after Covid-19 lockdowns and the impact that it had. By starting to exercise in any way, we get an endorphin release into our bodies which improves our mood and our mental health. We’ve all been there where we go out for a nice walk or a cycle and come back feeling much happier in ourselves.
When the going gets tough, remember how exercise makes you feel afterward, and how positively it affected your day after and your moods.
“Patient: Doctor, I don’t feel well and I’m not sure why” by DES Daughter is licensed under CC by-nc-sa-2.0
Physical Health
Once you start to eat better, cut back on sugar and bad foods, you’ll notice a big difference in how you feel physically and even mentally. Heavy processed foods, takeaways, and all that is nice, let’s not kid ourselves, but should only be occasional treats.
Cutting back on sugar, even for a month or two has a huge effect on your body and mind, your moods will be better, you’ll have more energy and a consistent flow of it too. Sugar spikes your energy levels and then you crash afterward. Remember that feeling.
“A runner starts the 2012 Borgess Half Marathon” by Simon A. Thalmann is licensed under CC by-2.0
Speed & Distance
A side effect of starting walking, running, or cycling for exercise is that we get better, faster, and can go longer distances with it. No one can go from doing a little exercise to be able to run a 10k, you build it up as you go and you get stronger all the time.
Remember that the speed and distance will come, as you run more, you become more resilient mentally and your body will take you further. You’d be surprised where your body can take you once the mind keeps going.
You will get there.
“Walking in Central Park” by Ed Yourdon is licensed under CC by-nc-sa-2.0
Socialising
If you’re exercising, try and do it with a friend or a group. It makes a huge difference to you and your motivation. If you and a friend get into a pattern where you sun at set times and days, then you both have that to look forward to and you can both keep yourselves going.
Chatting and getting things off your mind with a friend is a great thing too, and gives you an outlet to do that.
Training in groups will help keep you focused too as you are all aiming for something and help you stay motivated.
“No tolerance, acceptance” by Juan Manuel Cruz del Cueto is licensed under CC by-2.0
Acceptance
There are days when you don’t and won’t feel like it, they’re the ones that build resilience and you’ll get the most from, out of your comfort zone. The head will take you where your body wants to go, they’re the days that keep you going as well, as you faced a hurdle and got over it.
Remember that your goals are not forever, you set a target, you hit it, and you set another one. Take every day one day at a time, don’t get caught up in thinking too far ahead, one step at a time.
“Rain Study 3” by amandabhslater is licensed under CC by-sa-2.0
Excuses
Have no excuses, if the weather is bad, get a jacket, if you’re tired, you’ll wake up and feel better. Exercise doesn’t take all day, 15 minutes to an hour is all you need. Don’t put obstacles in your own way and you’ll stay motivated to reach your goals.
Keep reminding yourself why you started out.
