When you are able to stick to your exercise plan, one of the best things you can do to stay motivated to keep exercising regularly is to reward yourself. Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to keep yourself on track with exercising and fitness. Not everyone has what it takes to successfully stay on target with their exercise plan, so it's important that you realize that you deserve a reward for being able to do it!
Giving yourself a reward for reaching your exercise goals will also give you an added extra incentive to stick to your exercise plan. You will keep focused on sticking to your plan so you can reap the reward you set for yourself. For many, this extra push is exactly what they need. The best way to find out if you have met your goal is to keep track of your exercise activities in a journal or exercise log that is done monthly. At the end of the month, if you were able to get 30 minutes of exercise three days a week (or whatever your goals may be) you are then able to give yourself the reward! You earned it!
Here are some ideas for ways you can reward yourself for reaching your exercise goals:
1. A Day at the Spa: Everyone deserves a little pampering, especially after reaching such a tremendous goal of sticking to your exercise goals. A day of massages, saunas, or other spa treatments may be just what you need to reward yourself.
2. A Mini-Vacation: Many people do not have it within their means to plan a full blown vacation each month, but you can give yourself a day for a special trip somewhere. Maybe there is an art exhibit you've been wanting to see, or a day at a lake or beach. Traveling to places that are just an hour or two away can be a fun way to give yourself a mini-vacation.
3. A New Book: If you enjoy reading, buying a new book for yourself can be a real treat. It can also be inexpensive - there are many great books available out there for less than !
4. Music: Do you enjoy exercising to music? Downloading a few new songs can be a great way to reward yourself and keep motivated for your exercise routine.
5. New Shoes: Buying shoes is a great way to reward yourself for exercising, and best of all as you continue to exercise and lose weight, they will more than likely still fit! You can decide on a new pair of exercise shoes, or a pair of shoes for special occasions.
6. Special Tea/Coffee: Do you enjoy gourmet coffee or teas? The occasional splurge at the local coffee shop? Having one of your favorite coffees or teas to drink is a great way to reward yourself, and it won't be a diet buster, either!
7. Take a Day Off From Work: If you have personal or vacation time, taking a day off from work can be a real treat. It's up to you how you spend your day off - just knowing that you won't have to go into work one day is a great motivator to stick to your exercise plan!
8. Cooking Utensils: Is there something you could use that would make cooking healthy meals easier? A juicer, mixing bowls, pots, rice cookers, and others are all inexpensive ideas that you can enjoy over and over again. If you have everything you need in the kitchen, is there something else for your house you could use? A new bedspread or area rug for example could be great rewards.
9. Pens/Journals: If you love certain types of pens or have wanted to buy a fancy journal instead of a regular old notebook, meeting your exercise goals is a great reason to get these items. Not a writer? Maybe new art supplies or other items for a favorite hobby would make a great reward.
10. A Savings Jar: Perhaps there is something big you would like to work towards, such as a new laptop or digital camera. Create a savings jar, and for each month place a dollar for each day you exercised in the jar. Within a few months, you'll have enough saved up in the jar to get that item.
Rewarding yourself when exercising can make you stay motivated for reaching your exercise goals. Having an extra incentive to stay on task will help you exercise even on the days you don't feel like it. Pick a reward that suits your personality and budget best, and keep working towards reaching those exercise goals. Remember: you deserve it!
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