I love learning new things
If you think of exercise as a fun, intriguing adventure, rather than a necessary chore, studies show you are far more likely to keep it up. What’s more, if you mix it up, not only will you beat boredom, but you’re less likely to hit a fitness plateau. When you change workouts regularly, you are more likely to enjoy them and more likely to carry on hitting your fitness goals as your body adapts to different challenges. So, think about what you currently do. Are there still things to learn? Does it excite you? No one is born naturally hating physical activity, so if you’re not enjoying your regular workout anymore, there are bound to be other things out there to make you smile. Try different settings, different intensity, social situations, even different terrains – you may find you love rowing or rock climbing! Plus, a growing body of research suggests that learning a new physical skill can increase grey matter in the part of your brain related to movement control.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Another sure-fire way to stick with it is to believe in yourself! It’s a simple piece of advice, but one of the best. Research shows that people who express confidence in their ability to exercise and meet their fitness goals were far more likely to succeed. ‘Self-efficacy – believing you can do it – is the most important factor in sticking with exercise,’ says Dr Anthony Papathomas, lecturer in exercise psychology at Loughborough University. ‘Do you feel competent enough to fulfil your goals? Help yourself by setting achievable goals, looking for past experiences that prove you can do it and try to seek out role models with a similar exercise history to you who have had success in meeting their goals,’ advises Dr Papathomas. Visualisations and affirmations are also useful at building confidence in your own ability. Try visualising yourself succeeding at each new workout you try, and repeat positive affirmations such as ‘I can do it’. Practised daily, you will foster belief in your abilities to learn new things. Believe you are more than capable, and the chances are you’ll succeed.