For many people, I think getting motivated, especially when it comes to exercising, is one obstacle that they face when trying to lose weight. I have to admit it is definitely one of mine. However, I have found one way recently to help increase my motivation to exercise and thought I would share it with you.
If you are just starting to exercise, signing up for a small distance run/walk, especially one that is done for an organization or cause that you believe in, can help jump start your desire to exercise. I have to say that so far this year, with working, planning and then having a wedding, and then packing and moving into our very first home, the amount of time that I could devote to exercise as well as my motivation for it have both been limited.
With the holiday season and pretty soon the new year coming up, I wanted to get "back on track" physically and mentally when it came to my weight loss regimen. Since I love my pets and, unfortunately, cannot give every animal a loving home, I ended up signing my husband and I up for a 5K run/walk this month that is sponsored by and benefiting our local SPCA shelter.
Knowing that the 5K is supporting a good cause, I was even more motivated to get out there and start preparing for it, and this preparation has turned into a routine. My husband, our two doggies, and I now try to walk together at least 3 times a week. We have been enjoying the quality time together and my husband is now even considering signing us up for other run/walk events.
Considering doing an run/walk event? The biggest thing to remember is to have fun! Otherwise, here are some other helpful tips:
-Try to find someone or a team that is willing to do the run/walk with you and to prepare for it together. Having that added support makes things more fun and will help to keep you motivated as well as looking forward to your event.
-If you plan on using a new pair of shoes for your event, please remember to "break them in" appropriately.
-Try to come up with a schedule or plan for preparing for your event if you know that you will need it. Please also give yourself ample time to prepare for it. In other words, don't sign up for a marathon that is 2 weeks away and the most you usually ever run/walk has been 2 miles.
-If you are not good with coming up with a preparation plan on your own or if you need some guidance, you may be able to find help online, with books or magazines that have articles that focus on running or walking, or with phone apps. For example, one free app that I have had on my phone and that several of my patients have used is "Couch to 5K."
-See if an organization whose cause you support has any scheduled events during the year. For example, many run/walks for fighting breast cancer often take place in October since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
-If you do not find an event for an organization, charity, or cause, then look for an event that seems fun or interesting to you. I have seen obstacle course ones, ones where you get to dress up in costumes, and ones where they even throw packets of colored powder on you.
-Be aware of any registration fees when signing up for an event and also take note if there are any materials or packets that you have to pick up prior to or on the day of the event before it starts.
Hope you are able to find an event that supports a cause you are passionate about and hope things are going well weight loss wise-Stay Positive and Good Luck!
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