Develop The Right Exercise Motives

The top two reasons why ladies stop exercising are:

1) Lack of time.
2) Lack of motivation.

Let's assume that time isn't the problem (although for most of us it's a challenge) and focus on motivation.

Whether you exercise or not depends largely on how you think about exercise or what your motive is for doing it.

Consider this definition of motive. 

Taken from the Random House Dictionary:
"Motive: Something that causes a person to act in a certain way, do a certain thing, etc.; incentive. Motive is, literally, something that moves a person; an inducement, something that leads a person on; an incentive, something that inspires a person. Motive is applied mainly to an inner urge that moves or prompts a person to action, though it may also apply to a contemplated result, the desire for which moves the person: Action begins with motive and intent."

To establish a lasting motive regarding exercise, first let go of any beliefs of certain popular myths about exercise, including: 

1. I can use a certain gadget 5 minutes a day and lose inches.
2. I can lose weight fast… like the commercial say "10 pounds in a week". 
3. There are certain pills or herbs that can help me turn fat into muscle. 
4. If I'm having fun, it's not considered exercise.
5. Lifting weights will make me big and bulky … like a man. I'll do aerobics only.
6. I've failed at this before… maybe I just can't lose weight.
7. If I don't see immediate changes, I might as well give up.

Replace erroneous beliefs that can undermine your most sincere efforts. Dwell on these facts about exercise.

1. Exercise takes time and consistent effort. Slowly but surely I will see great changes.
2. Exercise improves the quality of my life as a woman.
3. Strength training and aerobic activity combined with a healthy diet will shave the inches off my body. No pills can do that for me.
4. My body benefits from all kinds of physical activity. 
5. Exercise can be enjoyable. After exercising, I feel accomplished and invigorated. This feeling makes me want to stick with it.
6. There's nothing wrong with me. I can lose weight, inches and gain strength. Maybe my expectations have been unrealistic.
7. Even if I am at a plateau my body is benefiting physiologically and psychologically. These are things I can't see, but the changes are real and benefit me greatly.

Once you develop the right reasons to exercise (internal motivators) and then set reasonable and attainable goals, you'll can begin to change your exercise habits.

Click Here to view other articles.

 Email This Article To A Friend
ACHIEVERS CLUB 
INFORMATION   
Achiever Club Information Center | Workout Levels | Sample Exercise Video Clips | Accountability System | Meet Your Trainer | Success Stories | Become An Achiever Now | Circuit Training | Members Only Clubhouse 
FITNESS RESOURCES  Fit Tip of the Day | Move of the Week | Monthly Fit Facts | Staying Fit Q & A  | Healthy Bites | Stretch Video Clip Library | Fitness Articles | Healthy Links | Get Fit Now | Great Products | Free Newsletter | Fitness Poll
ABOUT US  Contact Us | Press Box | Legal Disclaimer | Privacy Notice | Advertise | Refer A Friend
This information on this website is intended for information reference purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, it is recommended that you seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional. None of the information on this website should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.
For questions, comments, and contact information please refer to our Contact Us page.

Workouts For Women, Inc., 1999 - 2007
Workouts For Women TM. All rights reserved
Website content is updated daily.