Fit Over 50 Spring Denise Tips

Hi readers of my Fit over 50: Spring Fitness Challenge magazine!! The theme for this issue is “Start moving your body, and your mind and motivation will follow!”... and right now I am going to help you take this mindset to the next level! I get asked a lot about how to stick with a workout routine, so below are my insider tips. THESE WORK!!! I have been implementing them for years, because even I sometimes am not as motivated to workout as often as I should. So get ready to get moving and STAY moving, all to help you physically and emotionally feel your best! 

Denise's Motivation Tips

Schedule your workouts in to your weekly calendar. Once you write it down you are more likely to stick with it. Think of workouts like any other appointment - no skipping it, no showing up late, just do it! It's really that simple!

Keep it fresh. It's easy to do the same workout over and over, but mixing it up is really beneficial to your body and your mind. It doesn't need to be drastic: If walking is your thing, add some hand weights, pick a hillier terrain, or jog for 30 seconds every five minutes you walk. Like strength training? (You should - it's so healthy for women over 50!) Pick a target area each week and add five extra minutes to your routine focused on that spot. Feeling bored with an indoor bike ride? Break it up with five minutes of ab work in the middle, or take your ride outdoors.  

Reward yourself. Whether it's a gold star on your calendar for every day you exercise, buying yourself a bouquet of flowers for every week you hit your goals, or splurging on a new workout outfit for every month you go above and beyond your exercise plans, rewards work! It helps you keep your eyes on the prize, so when you maybe don't feel like working out, remind yourself that if you do, a little treat will be coming your way! Try my 28-Day Spring Challenge starting on page 16, and give yourself a reward goal to work towards so you complete it!

Make it fun. Too often I hear that working out is boring, difficult, or repetitive. The good news is that there are so many forms of exercise out there, that there is no reason to ever feel anything but positive about exercise. Dancing, Pilates, swimming or water aerobics, yoga with weights... the list goes on! Check out my free YouTube videos, sign up for a local community center class, or even find a buddy to walk with. All make exercise more engaging!

Be gentle with yourself. It's OK if you missed a day, can't keep up the pace with a workout video, or only finish part of a workout. Time and dedication will get you to the place where you are looking and feeling amazing! It takes many days of exercise to see and feel results, so keep that in mind and don't give up! Do part of a workout, take the stairs, park further away, do lunges during a commercial... make up for it in these little ways as you work towards a healthier you!

I hope these tips help YOU stay motivated this spring!

xoxo Denise