Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build strength, or engage in functional training, staying active is the key to success. But over time, many people can hit plateaus or obstacles that make it hard to keep up with a fitness schedule.  If you want to sustain your progress, here are a few smart ways to keep your head in the game and stay motivated to work out.

5 Tips to Stay Motivated When Working Out

1. Go for Variety

When you do the same activities every time you visit the gym, you’re bound to get bored with your routine. For this reason, it’s critical to find creative ways to mix up your workouts, such as by hiking through natural parks, taking a yoga class, or joining a functional training program.

2. Track Progress Details

The time it takes to achieve long-term goals—such as weight loss or increased muscle mass—can be frustrating and full of many ups and downs. But by focusing on the smaller elements of progress, you can have an easier time visualizing your development. For example, it can be encouraging to see how much more weight you can lift or how much further you can run with every workout.

3. Embrace Your Competitive Spirit

Sometimes, it can be beneficial to make physical activity less about the exercise and more about the fun of the experience. A few ways to do this are to join a sports team, take up tennis, or join a high-intensity functional training program. In these activities, you will not only be more motivated by your competitive spirit but will also be encouraged by the support of your fellow players.

4. Mix in Risk & Reward

While improving your looks and your physical health are two great rewards of exercise, it can also help to offer yourself some additional incentive. For example, you might let yourself binge a TV show after a hard workout or buy a new outfit once you achieve a specific goal weight. If rewarding yourself doesn’t work, try giving yourself some risk—such as by making a bet with your workout partners or using a financial incentive app that puts your cash on the line if you don’t exercise.

5. Get a Trainer

Another way to give yourself some accountability is to work with a personal trainer. As fitness experts, these specialists will develop custom fitness plans to help you achieve your specific goals. More importantly, they will provide you with a fun mix of activities and positive encouragement to keep you in the game.

When you’re ready to take your fitness to the next level, LifeSport Athletic Club – Lincolnshire is here to help you reach your goals. No matter what your skill level, this fitness center in Lincolnshire, IL, offers a wide range of resources to make physical activity a fun experience—including functional training, group exercise classes, tennis instruction, and personal training. To learn more about these exciting and affordable services, visit this gym online or call (847) 913-2000.