How to keep your mojo

Friendly advice from Fitness Coach Lesley Whiley

The days are getting shorter, the weather more unpredictable and somehow life gets in the way of your exercise sessions. So, how to stay motivated?

The carrot or the stick – what motivates you?

Are you focused on achieving a positive goal or does stress and pressure make you take action and move away from a negative place? Do you self-motivate or do you need external motivation to drive you?

Once you know your own strengths or weaknesses it is easier to work out what you need.

The answer? Start now and take small steps

Join a class for external motivation and commit with a friend to go. Make sure you like what you do, vary things for extra interest and try something new.

Book a one to one appointment with a fitness or wellness coach and get the support you need to keep going.

Use technology – even a simple step counter can provide great motivation. In the gym programmes such as virtual active will keep you moving as the immersive high definition footage will keep your mind off the exercise! If you like a challenge, set yourself the task of climbing globe-spanning landmarks on the Climb Mill.

Promise yourself a reward for good behaviour, new kit, trainers. Sign up for a sporting challenge and plan to train to achieve a good time.

Make space in your diary, get a few pieces of equipment at home so you can do a workout there if you are short of time. Just 30 minutes of exercise makes you feel better physically, lifts your mood, energises you.

When you are looking for an excuse to miss exercise, remind yourself of the benefits. Long-term, the physical and mental advantages of regular exercise are well documented. Those who exercise and eat healthily suffer from fewer chronic illnesses in later life and recovery from illness or injury is often quicker, or has a better outcome.

What motivates me?

I know I will feel better when I have exercised and I enjoy having a good level of energy. I love to exercise with friends, a brisk walk or a class is a great excuse to meet up! There is no need to get fit for a holiday or social occasion as I am already pretty much there. Furthermore, if I look after myself, I will be in a better position to be there for friends or family should they need help.