Getting Motivated!

Think about the results. I know it can be hard to get yourself up and moving, but the reward will be fantastic! You’ll feel better about yourself and you’re burning calories in the process. As long as you’re burning more calories than you’re taking in, you will lose weight.

Exercise=stress relief. If you’re feeling particularly stressed, a little bit of exercise can go a long way. According to WebMD, “regular exercise reduces the amount of stress hormones in the body, resulting in a slower heart rate, relaxed blood vessels, and lower blood pressure. Increased relaxation after exercise shows on your face with reduced muscle tension.” (source.)

Exercise with a friend. Its much easier to motivate yourself when you have a running partner or gym partner! For the longest time I hated going to the gym alone–I never felt motivated enough to go by myself! You will encourage each other and maybe even have a little fun in the process! I still prefer running with a partner than running by myself. (Longer runs get lonely sometimes!)

Sign up for a race! After I started running in 2008, I had the desire to sign up for my first 5K, the 2009 Freihofer’s Run for Women. I finally had an exercise goal! My goal for the race was the run the whole thing without walking. And guess what? I did it! I finished it in 37 minutes! It was one of the proudest moments of my life. But be warned, racing can be addictive! 🙂

 My friends & I after the 2009 Troy Turkey Trot 

Keep it interesting. If doing the same old workouts day after day gets boring, try something new! Try new exercise DVDs, or take new classes at your gym! If I get in a rut I try something new. I’ve even been guilty of buying new exercise outfits to keep me motivated. 😀 If you’re tired of running the same old route, try taking a new path or go running on a trail! 

Here are some local places to go for walks, runs, hikes or bike rides if you are in the Capital District:
Five Rivers Nature Center
Thacher State Park
Corning Preserve Trail (Albany)
Pine Bush Preserve
The Crossings in Colonie
Hannacroix Creek Preserve
Another useful website is LocalHikes.com.

Eventually, if you stick to it, exercise will become like second nature. I can’t even believe I used to live a sedentary life–I’ve actually come to love working out. It makes me feel great and even improves my mood! I’m an overall happier person since I started running and exercising two short years ago. I’m so glad I made the lifestyle change! If I can do it, so can you!