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Fatigued or unmotivated? How to beat 3 common workout saboteurs

Starting an exercise program is hard enough, but sticking to it is even harder.
/ Source: TODAY

Starting an exercise program is hard enough, but sticking to it is even harder. It’s why so many people give up after a few months. You need to plan for obstacles so you can take a proactive approach!

Some issues may be out of your control, but most are up to you. Here’s how to tackle a few of the top reasons I hear from people who want to give up.

Work obligations

Late nights at work, early morning meetings and unexpected projects that crop up at the last minute can throw a monkey wrench into your workout plans. I know how that works!

The solution: People who stick with their workouts the longest tend to do them first thing in the morning, before work obligations and phone calls start rolling in. Waiting until the end of the day makes it less likely you’ll do it. If you’re not a morning person try getting up even 10 to 15 minutes earlier and work your way up to 30 minutes.

Fatigue

Ironically, you have less energy when you don’t exercise, so this excuse doesn’t hold a lot of water. When you work out, you help your body become more energy efficient.

The solution: Instead of caving in to feeling tired, try going for a brisk walk. Or tell yourself you only have to do 10 minutes of your routine. Chance are, once you get going, you'll keep going.

Lack of motivation

If you simply can’t get yourself moving it’s time to find something that drives you.

One great idea: Exercise for a cause or work out with a friend. Raising money for a charity through a Walk-a-Thon or other activity puts the focus off your needs and on to someone else’s. Once you reap the feel-good rewards of helping others you’re likely to keep it up for your own sake. Or find a workout buddy who’s more motivated than you to get your butt out of bed. In short: find what works for you!

Anticipate these issues and nip them in the bud before they become reasons to quit!