Motivation - The Key to Success

Motivation is the corner stone between the free trial junkie and the gym lover.

Of course it isn't as simple as that, people pick up and lose motivation as they go. It can even be as simple as a bad session, leading to the next day with people thinking 'ah my hamstrings are a little tight, I will give it a miss tonight.' There is obviously nothing wrong with them except they are lacing in motivation.

This is a huge topic, for people who work with the fitness industry but it is also one that creeps over into general well-being as well.

One remedy that can have a profound effect is training with constantly altering speeds, essentially interval training. They say variety is the spice of life and this is a good application for that theory. Start slow, work up to speed but don't be afraid to lower the speed, it isn't a failure to do that in order to keep training. It is more beneficial to keep going at a lower capacity and get a full workout, than to burn yourself out and have to stop for two days in a rest period. What is great about interval training is the variety of machines that you can look at including in your workout, Treadmills, Bikes or even Rowers.

Another one that I haven't mentioned yet is the Cross Trainers. This is a fantastic piece of kit and a good one to help motivation levels. The machines offer so much variety and programmability that there is something for everyone. You can do just lower body or include your upper body as well so it is hugely beneficial.

So there we are one method of motivation combat: variety.

When looking at motivation for the gym and you talk to the experts in the field it is difficult to find a clear answer, as they are all pretty motivated to workout! However, I did hear one little gem of insight, which was; 'If you don't want to go to the gym you will make any excuses, so it might be time to try something new altogether.' Which I think is a sound theory. People make excuses sometimes, but not always because they don't want to go to the gym, but because I just fancy a night off or something, which doesn't always mean a slippery slope to failure. But some people will make constant excuses and reasons as to why they can't or won't go, which means that if they are persuaded to go one night that it might be such a negative experience then it will be even more detrimental to their motivation.

So the solution can be: why not try something new. Why not go cycling or try Zumba? Or Cross Training instead of the Treadmill.

I really believe that to be motivated then you need to want to be doing what you're doing, even just a little bit, then the motivation is what brings that little bit out or makes it more prominent. If you are stone cold adverse to something, then no amount of motivation will help you achieve your goals. So rather than focusing on something that you hate then focus on finding something you will like! Some people want to train on a Treadmill and some people want to walk in the hills and some people even want to do both. Find something you love to do and motivation should follow!

I am a health and fitness writer, working for Health Clubs at Home. A company specialising in providing new and used commercial gym equipment for use in the home.