Adeela Asghar | Contributor
Featured image: Here are some tips from your fellow undergrads on how to keep yourself motivated and hit the gym. | Courtesy of Pexels
We all know how crucial it is to get a daily dose of exercise—whether or not we’re willing to make time for it is a different story. Health Canada recommends 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week for adults aged 18-64. Despite exercise being so important for our health, there’s always an excuse we make for ourselves for not doing it.
Many individuals often provide the reason for not exercising as lack of motivation and enjoyment. Let’s face it—an elevated motivation is a key determinant in whether you will exercise or not. Having a high drive and sense of pleasure can help you exercise consistently, get you in shape, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If a lack of motivation and enjoyment are what’s keeping you from staying healthy, here are a few tips of encouragement to stay active, as told by your fellow Yorkies:
1) Set personal goals
“I believe by setting and tracking your goals constantly, it will help you stay motivated constantly. Your goals do not have to be achieving certain body percentage, as many factors such as genetics, environment, and culture can affect our ability to gain or lose body weight,” says Karam Ali, a second-year Biology student.
These goals can range from going jogging for 50 to 60 minutes daily, to performing intense workouts for up to 20 minutes, or cutting down your six-mile running time by a few minutes. If you work out to attain these goals on a regular basis, you are less likely to stop when you know you can easily achieve your goals.
2) Motivational quotes
Extrinsic motivation pulls more weight in your workout regime than you might think. Looking up to others plays an important role in keeping you motivated, so if you’re struggling to find inspiration, your answer may lie in online motivational quotes.
“I would suggest using inspirational quotes to help you get motivated, because if you see someone successful, it will motivate you to be the same,” says Shahrukh Afza, a fourth-year Social Work student.
Post them around your house to remind you of your goals, and that if a certain person can attain their goal, then so can you.
3) Find gym buddies
“I suggest finding buddies to go to the gym with. I often go with my friends from university, which helps me stay motivated and exercise regularly, especially when I don’t feel like it,” says Zainab Kham, a second-year Biomedical student.
This will help you enjoy your exercise and work out harder, as you will have someone with similar goals to you.
“Going to the gym with someone is always fun and can be used as motivation to help you stay active,” he adds.
The particular person does not have to be your friends or family—it could be anyone you know, including someone from your neighborhood, co-workers, or people you stay regularly in touch with online, which will help you push your limit everyday and encourage you to stay on track and pursue a healthy lifestyle.
4) Schedule a regular workout time
Take time out to go to the gym.
“After some time, it become a habit and you just don’t feel right if you miss out on gym days. That also helps to bring me back to the gym if I have to stop during midterms, or other times when I am really busy,” says Ahsan Al Lawati, a fourth-year Kinesiology and Health student.
“I want to build my body and stay healthy. I’ve also noticed that I feel a lot better and am better focused on my studies when I work out, so I make it a point to take time out and go to the gym.”
