Hello Zobha Community-

If any of you are like me, it seems like there is never enough time to fit in a workout. As a mother of teen twin girls, it’s quite the challenge to balance a career, motherhood, and getting time to work out. Even if there is a small window of time – it’s hard to get excited about going  to the gym.

                                                    (Photo credit: Photosteve101)

Here are some helpful tips that work for me to find the motivation and most importantly, keep it:

1.  Commit to a goal. The hardest part I have found is actually starting a workout regimen. Set a goal for yourself and work towards it! Whether it’s walking every day for 30 minutes, getting up an hour earlier to have time to run before work, or if you live in a city like me and commute to work, get off one or two stops earlier and walk to work.
2. Get a workout buddy. I have teamed up with my sisters and we work together to create and achieve our workout goals. We support each other in our respective efforts and push each other to the next level and at times provide comedic relief.
3. Don’t break the habit. When I take a day off from my work out plan, it tends to turn into a week off and then becomes my New Year’s Resolution for the following year. The more you make it a “must,” the more likely you are to stick with it. I put my workout schedule in my calendar and even set a “do you have your gym bag” reminder for myself for the mornings I’m scheduled for the gym in my calendar on my phone.
4. Make it fun. Try a new workout or check if your local gym has fun classes that will keep you interested such as a dance class or an upbeat spin class. Also, working out seems to be easier for me with music that motivates me. Grab your iPod and make a playlist specifically for your workouts.
5. Be patient. Many people just like to jump into exercising without any limits, which may result in tons of pain and lack of motivation to workout. Work towards your goal by increasing the intensity day by day.
6. Change your mindset. Many people look at exercising as a burden but it can be seen in a positive way. Next time you are stressed, go exercise – even if it’s just a walk. Exercise releases endorphins which improve your mood.
7. Implement an exercise log. I have found it useful to track my progress throughout my workout plan. If you see results, it will motivate you to keep going and keeping a log holds you to your goals and schedule.
8. Make it “you” time. As mothers, we tend to put ourselves last. Make your workout into “you” time. This way you will surprisingly look forward to exercising instead of dreading it. 
9.  Find a trainer. Almost every gym has trainers that can formulate a workout personally that will cater to your needs. Also, the trainer is a great source of forced motivation.
10. Lastly, reward yourself. After all of the hard work, it is important to give yourself a little reward whether it be frozen yogurt or treating yourself to some new workout gear . Even though this seems like taking a step backwards, it may actually motivate you to want to be rewarded again.

 Here’s to hoping I can take my own advice and stick with this plan! What are some of the ways you stay motivated?

- Tonie