A whopping 67% of people with gym memberships never visit the gym. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that adults should spend at least 2.5 hours per week doing moderate-intensity exercises, plus focus on strength-training techniques at least 2 days a week. You can’t tackle that recommendation from your sofa, so it’s important to utilize your gym membership. When you find your motivation waning, repeat a few of these inspirational fitness quotes:
“Making excuses burns zero calories per hour.”
Shape.com shared this witty fitness quote, and it’s a fantastic reminder that you can’t stay in shape without putting in the work. If you developed your fitness goals in order to lose or maintain a healthy body weight, Mayo Clinic says it’s important to burn enough calories to create an energy deficit. You can do this by engaging in cardio activities, such as running on a treadmill, climbing a stair machine, pedaling an exercise bike, or pumping your arms back and forth on an elliptical.
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Ryan
It’s easy to begin a fitness routine, but it’s difficult to continue one. Rather than calling it quits and saying, “Hey, at least I tried,” make an effort to cultivate healthy habits throughout the year. Make your fitness goals a priority, and schedule time to complete them each week. As the year progresses, exercise will become a familiar part of your life rather than an unwanted obligation.
“Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.” – Norman R. Augustine
If perfectionism or low self-esteem strikes, you may worry that you don’t belong at the gym. You may convince yourself that you’ll never be as fast, strong, or fit as other gym goers. It’s true that medical conditions or genetics may impose some limitations on your body, but Norman R. Augustine assures you that motivation is what matters most. Make it easier to stay motivated by finding forms of exercise that you really enjoy doing. If you hate running, of course, you’ll always struggle to lace up your shoes and get out the door. But if you love swimming, and actually look forward to putting your goggles on and diving in, then it will be a lot easier to stick to your fitness regimen. When you’re first starting out, try a variety of workouts to see what you really enjoy doing.
“Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams, encourage your ideas, support your ambitions, and bring out the best in you.” – Roy T. Bennett
Negative people can suck the enthusiasm out of you if you let them. To prevent this potential problem, spend time with loved ones who support your fitness goals. Share what you plan to accomplish with positive people who believe in you, and ignore the criticism of anyone who claims you can’t achieve your ambitions. Emotional support can help you commit to fitness goals year round
“Of course motivation is not permanent. But then, neither is bathing; but it is something you should do on a regular basis.” – Zig Ziglar
Motivation doesn’t occur naturally, and the plans you make in December may seem overwhelming or unappealing by mid January. Before you abandon your fitness goals, think about the reasons you established them. Do you want to lose weight for a special event, such as a class reunion or a tropical cruise with your significant other? Do you want to gain strength and energy so you can have more fun playing with your children? Remind yourself what you have to gain from achieving your fitness goals, and find small ways to reward yourself as you pursue them.
You can easily close your browser and forget about these inspirational quotes, but doing that won’t help you tackle your fitness goals. Print at least one of the quotes referenced above and place it in a prominent location so that you can read it daily. When you’re tempted to give up on your goals (or maybe you’re feeling depressed about your lack of progress), reread the quote. It will help give you the boost you need to succeed.