How to Stay Motivated to Keep Active
Choosing to be more active is a great step, but staying active can be the real challenge. NHS Inform suggests several ways to help keep physical activity enjoyable and motivating.
Be active with friends, family or colleagues. Scheduling a walk, jog, wheel, cycle or game of football can make activity something to look forward to.
Joining a class or club can also support motivation. Think about an activity you would like to try and look for local clubs, classes, leisure centres, gyms, running groups or walking groups.
Try different activities until you find something you enjoy. If you become bored, move on to something else. Physical activity is more likely to become a habit when it feels enjoyable rather than like a chore.
Once you find an activity you enjoy, set an achievable goal. You could work towards swimming a certain number of lengths or jogging a certain distance without stopping for a break.
When you reach a goal, increase it a little to keep improving. For more ambitious goals, you could work towards a charity sporting event or try a competitive sport that motivates you to improve your performance.
Making physical activity part of your routine can make it harder to miss or forget. Schedule time on certain days to attend a class or take part in sport.
Small daily choices can also add activity to your routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or walking to the shops instead of taking the car.
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