Motivation for the changing seasons.

Motivation for the changing seasons.


During the spring and summer months, it is not too difficult to get motivated to exercise. The hot weather and long evenings often mean we will be wearing less and want to look our best. When autumn arrives, however, inspiration to work out is harder to find. Here are some tried and tested principles to help improve your strength, fitness and physique as autumn approaches:
Variety is not only the spice of life, but also the secret weapon that helps blast through training barriers.
ATTACK YOUR WEAKNESSES – it is easy to slip into a pattern where you emphasize working muscle groups you have had most success in training and ignore groups that lag behind. Why? Because we like to do things that we know we do well and we know we get results from. By the same token, we hobble through parts of our workouts where we have been less successful, using poor form with low energy. We can use the new autumn season as an opportunity to look at our weaknesses as challenges to be undertaken. Take an honest look at your present condition, and think about the parts of your training programme and body development that you feel are weaknesses. Plan a set of goals and prepare to vigorously transform weaknesses into strengths. Here are a few ideas on how you might approach this:
(1) STUDY UP!
Read up on how to master training and nutrition techniques and strategies that target your weakness. Consult a personal trainer or nutritionist who is an expert in the area you wish to target. Attack your goal with the confidence that preparation provides.
(2) Identify the body parts you wish to improve- for example, if you are unhappy with the way your abdominals have developed take a photo of them (before) and make a programme of say 10 – 12 weeks to turn things around. Then take another photo (after).
(3) ATTACK WITH A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND FUN
Think of the targeted area, not as a weakness, but as an opportunity to have some fun by taking on a new challenge. Make it a positive experience from the first workout to the last.
(4) FOLLOW THROUGH
Be careful not to let up on your intensity after you reach the halfway point of your training programme. Instead of letting your energy wane in the middle or latter half of the project, make a commitment to maintain a good, solid pace to the end.
(5) ESTABLISH SPORT SPECIFIC GOALS
When was the last time you enjoyed an athletic competition? It is a great way to burn away any boredom that has crept into your overall fitness regime, which can happen if you have been at it for a while. Having a competition goal at the end of a multi week or month training programme can work wonders. Here are a few activities that are fun to participate in and add extra purpose to your strength and cardio training:
Ten Kilometer running race.
A short distance triathlon.
Rock climbing.
Mountain bike competition.
Martial arts classes.
Swimming competition.
Sunday football team.

(6) GET A CHANGE OF SCENERY
Have a look around other gyms and fitness centres and look for one that has a fresh appeal – perhaps one with a more high energy atmosphere to help fire up your training.
(7) TAKE SOME TIME OFF
While this may sound like the worst thing to do, if you are stuck on a plateau, a week or two away from the gym might be just what your body needs. Take some time to do those recreational activities that you have been sacrificing for your training, such as reading a good book, taking up a new hobby, going for long hikes in the woods or spending more time with your family and friends. After your well-deserved break you can return to your training with a vengeance!