I'm hardly the person to advise about this, as I'm terrible at sticking to a fitness routine. But, here are things that work for me sometimes:
1. Find a fitness routine that you enjoy and *want* to do; it's easier to keep doing it.
2. A workout buddy who is committed can also keep you working out. Your buddy doesn't necessarily need to work out with you, as long as they are there to hold you accountable.
3. If you get bored easily, make sure you have a variety of different activities you can do. If you want to jog and the weather is awful, have an indoor activity.
4. If time is the issue, make an appointment with yourself to exercise, and make that a priority.
5. Another way to deal with the time issue is to have different workouts - if you normally work out for 45 minutes and you only have 20 minutes, then find something that you can do in 20 minutes instead of saying, "I didn't have enough time." and not working out at all.
6. If motivation is the issue, then cut yourself a deal - promise to exercise for 1o minutes, and, if you are having a good workout, go for another 10 minutes, and so on.
7. Have a goal - it can be weight loss, getting fit enough to perform a task (lift a certain weight, run a certain distance, cut your time for running, etc).
8. Surround yourself with people who will support your goal and not tempt you to stray from your routine.
9. If all else fails, bribe yourself. If you will work out more if you have those new running shoes, then you can either work out enough to "earn" them, or get them, and then put them away for a week every time you don't meet your fitness goals.
10. Track your progress. Use paper, use something online, use an app. . . use whatever works to make you feel like you accomplished something.
And, finally, keep in mind that your metamorphosis might not be this dramatic, but if you stick with it, you will see changes. Here's my caterpillar Kafka:
Look at him, already making his J shape!
I know this one looks almost the same, but notice that the pupa is starting to form and you can't see his feet or his "fur" any more.
There is Kafka, after he has broken through his chrysalis. He hung out like this for a few days while his wings dried, and then I released him. Kafka came from The Butterfly Place, and he was the seventh (I think) butterfly that we have had from there. We can't release butterflies outside at this time of year in New England, so Kafka of course was raised quite some time ago. I wanted to share him today for two reasons: (1) he is a nice illustration of metamorphosis, in keeping with the theme of today's post about sticking with fitness goals, and (2) Tara posted about butterflies the other day on Facebook, and I wanted to share this with her and her son.
Hmm...that metamorphosis comparison is a very good one! Neat idea, too. I love your list.
Posted by: Sallee | 01/15/2013 at 04:07 PM
Excellent list! I love the pictures of Kafka!
Posted by: Beverly | 01/15/2013 at 05:46 PM
I love raising butterflies. Its so cool. Excellent example also!
Posted by: BronxGrrl | 01/19/2013 at 06:36 PM