How to find your motivation to train?
The motivation for playing sports resides deep within you. One of the most effective ways to stay motivated is by engaging in sports activities for your personal well-being, sports performance, or health. How to find your motivation to train?
THEORIES OF MOTIVATION
The scientific model of self-determined motivation helps us comprehend certain mechanisms. This theory differentiates between intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation.
Intrinsic motivation occurs when an individual engages in a sport for the satisfaction and pleasure derived from it. It is an internal drive, representing the highest level of motivation. For example, playing tennis because you genuinely enjoy the sensations, knowledge gained, and the feeling of fulfillment.
Extrinsic motivation occurs when an individual engages in a sport for external reasons, such as improving health, getting in shape, receiving rewards, or seeking praise from others.
Amotivation refers to the absence of motivation. To sustain long-term participation in sports, it is recommended to cultivate intrinsic motivation and distance oneself from amotivation.
WORKING OUT FOR YOURSELF... OR FOR RESULTS ACHIEVED
To discover your motivation for playing sports, you can focus on the benefits gained through regular physical activity. Typically, this includes improved health, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, muscle development, body shaping, and enhanced qualities like strength, explosiveness, or endurance. Engaging in sports also facilitates sharing passions, socializing, and meeting new people. Once you start exercising, the endorphins released by the brain bring increasing pleasure, leading to regular and dedicated practice.
It is commendable to begin sports to please others, but engaging in sports for personal reasons is unparalleled in terms of commitment and intensity. Taking care of oneself and dedicating at least 2 to 3 hours per week is the most effective form of motivation. All sports sessions contribute to physical well-being and boost morale. Often, we lack motivation BEFORE going to the gym, but AFTER the session, we all experience satisfaction and pride in the accomplished work.
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR MOTIVATION FOR SPORTS?
As mentioned earlier, it is common to experience temporary lapses in motivation for sports. However, there are strategies and routines to sustain long-term motivation.
SETTING GOALS
Establishing short-term, medium-term, and long-term quantifiable goals is one of the best solutions. Don't hesitate to set multiple objectives to keep your motivation at its peak. The goals should be achievable, enabling you to progress through successive stages. For instance, individuals on a diet often set monthly weight targets. Bodybuilders may aim to lift a certain weight or maintain a workout frequency of three times per week. Each person can define their own goals.
FINDING MOTIVATION FOR MORNING WORKOUTS
Mornings are an ideal time for exercise. Waking up early and engaging in physical activity proves to be a rewarding routine. However, finding the motivation is not always easy.
MUSIC AS MOTIVATION FOR SPORTS
Scientific studies have demonstrated that music has a positive effect on athletic performance. It is common to see amateur and professional athletes wearing headphones. If morning workouts feel challenging or lonely, we recommend creating a sports playlist to accompany your exercise routine. This can provide a boost of energy and enhance your mood right from the moment you wake up.
SUSTAIN YOUR MOTIVATION: SPORTS MOTTO, PHOTO, VIDEO, QUOTE, EXPRESSION
Motivation needs nurturing. The internet offers a plethora of motivational films and videos. To find ongoing motivation, subscribe to or bookmark websites that provide positive vibes. You can follow a Facebook account featuring sports quotes, sports or nutrition advice, or explore a particularly inspiring collection of films. Who hasn't been inspired to try boxing after watching "Creed: The Legacy of Rocky Balboa" or taking up bodybuilding due to the movie "300: Rise of an Empire."
EQUIP YOURSELF WITH QUALITY SPORTS GEAR
Creating an optimal environment for exercise is key to maintaining motivation. If possible, consider setting up a home gym. Investing in equipment like a bench press, dumbbells, an elliptical trainer, or a connected treadmill can greatly contribute to regaining motivation. There are options available to suit different preferences, budgets, and goals.
By exercising at home in the morning with your own sports equipment, you can stay motivated, and committed, and achieve results more efficiently.
PLAN YOUR WORKOUTS USING A CALENDAR
Anticipation and organization are excellent tools for avoiding a loss of motivation. Block out dedicated time slots for sports in your weekly schedule. Whether you choose to train indoors, at home, or outdoors, incorporating your sessions into your calendar will benefit your motivation. Initially, aiming for 2 to 3 sessions per week, lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour each, will suffice.
SINGLE ACTIVITY OR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES?
All forms of physical activity contribute positively to energy expenditure. To regain motivation, some individuals prefer to focus on a specific sport, while others prefer variety. Choose what excites you the most. However, regardless of your chosen activity, it is essential to keep in mind five basic principles to prevent injuries:
- Allow at least 24 hours of rest between each workout.
- Gradually reintegrate into sports after a break.
- Remember to warm up and stretch before exercising.
- Stay hydrated throughout your training.
- Seek approval from your attending physician.
STAY MOTIVATED WITH CONNECTED SPORTS TECHNOLOGY
Today, fitness equipment has advanced to offer hi-tech solutions that break the monotony of routine workouts. Connected fitness equipment, such as treadmills, provides access to various applications (Netflix for series, Spotify for music, social media platforms) to keep you entertained during your workouts. Alongside their excellent performance, these devices offer pre-recorded training programs through their HD touchscreens.
CONCLUSION
To stay motivated in playing sports, it is crucial to find intrinsic or extrinsic sources of motivation, set achievable goals, incorporate music into your routine, establish a personal regimen, and equip yourself for optimal conditions. Exercising at home eliminates constraints and excuses, maximizing your chances of rediscovering the joy of effort and satisfaction with the results achieved. A single click, a meaningful sentence, or an inspiring encounter can often be the catalyst to reignite your passion for sports. By considering the benefits for your health, well-being, and body composition, you will undoubtedly find the desire and necessity to engage in regular physical activity.
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