MuscleCircuit.com

People are well-known for signing up to a gym around the New Year, only to be back on the couch come February. It can be caused by a lot of things, such as intimidation, lack of results and motivation problems. It usually sounds like this, “I was too busy“, “I just never got around to it”, “That takes a certain type of person“.

To me, they’re all just rationalizations for having a less-than-adequate level of discipline. But that’s okay, because I challenge those same very people who have quit in the past to simply change their approach through these 2 steps.

1. Find an Awesome Workout Partner

I can’t stress enough how much easier and more enjoyable this makes working out. Bring a friend, co-worker, or family member next time you want to work out.

A workout partner will:

• Remind you to keep up the habit
• Motivate you to workout longer and harder
• Make your workouts more enjoyable and seem less tedious

It’s important that your workout partner be motivated and willing to work as hard as you. Someone with experience in fitness would be preferable, but not absolutely necessary.

2. Give it a Trial Run

When we think to ourselves about improving our body or mind, it starts off by us usually saying something in our heads like, “I should start doing _____ every day.” Sometimes it works, but usually it’s short lived. But saying you’re going to do something every day for the rest of your life is daunting. It’s far too intimidating of a thought to motivate me.

Instead, try motivating yourself by saying you’re going to work out three times a week for only 30 days. Consider it your “trial period.”

A trial period will:

• Reduce the intimidation factor of starting a new routine
• Allow you to build momentum in your new habit
• Let you decide if working out is something you truly want

If after your trial period you don’t feel like working out makes you happier, more energized, or more focused, then no big deal. Maybe it isn’t a good time in your life right now. Achieving a great body isn’t about working out a few times a week; it’s more of a lifestyle.

Bottom line - chances are if you can do it for 30 days and enjoy it, you can do it for much, much longer.

Summary

• Find a motivating workout partner
• Work out routinely for only 30 days
• After those 30 days, decide if it’s something you truly want to commit to