Sometimes, going to the gym or going for a run can be difficult, especially if you do not get the results you want. And it is very normal to sign up to a gym just to leave it a few months later! However, a recent study reveals the key to exercising and maintaining motivation. Discover it!
Search for happiness
It’s that simple. In the case of women, the solution could be to focus on what makes them happy and not on the intensity of the exercise, according to new research published in the journal BMC Public Health, reports the Medical News Today site .
The study included 40 women between 22 and 49 years old, active and inactive physically. The question? What made them feel happy, successful and what was their attitude to exercise.
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What makes women happy?
The researchers found that both groups were happy with the same:
– Spend time with family, friends and even pets.
– Feel relaxed in your free time.
– Fulfill your goals, from going to the store to get a promotion at work.
But the response of physically inactive women was interesting. For them, exercise was contrasted with happiness factors, but if they did not, they felt “pressured”.
Why? Well, they believed that to be valid, the exercise should be intense. And that interfered with his need to relax in free time.
What did the study look for?
The idea of the study was to generate material to design a new form of communication about exercise for women, closer to their goals and desires, and thus keep them motivated , explains the BMC Public Health magazine site .
“A new understanding of what really motivates women could make a huge difference in their ability to successfully incorporate exercise into their daily routine,” said Michelle Segar, co-author of the study and a researcher at the University of Michigan Medical site. News Today .
“The traditional approach could damage motivation. Our study shows that the message is in conflict with the experiences and goals that most women have for themselves, “adds Segar.
How to stay motivated
First, start by taking note of what the physically active women responded to in the study. They said “it was not the end of the world” if they missed the gym from time to time. Nor did they place exercise as one of their highest priorities. According to the research, this more relaxed approach to physical activity could increase motivation.
Here are some tips to keep you motivated while you exercise, according to the WebMD website :
1. Lighten your goals. Do not set yourself too big goals, especially if you’re starting. If not, you may feel overwhelmed. For example, do not start with one hour of daily exercise, but with 20 or 30 minutes.
2. Track your progress. Noticing improvements in your training, whether you run faster or do more repetitions, will make you want to move forward.
3. Focus on your own. There will always be faster and stronger people. Do not compare yourself with them and keep your mind on your personal goals.