Motivation is the key to successfully achieving your fitness goals. But when Murphy’s Law is hitting you down and your plans just don’t seem to work out, then it’s indeed not an easy task to stay on track and keep going. However, giving up cannot be the option because it would defeat the purpose of getting started in the first place.
The good news is there are ways to keep you pushing forward.
As students, making lifestyle changes could be a challenge because distractions might be coming at you from all directions.
Stephen Black, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Performance at Florida Gulf Coast University, said that making lifestyle changes is an overwhelming decision for students.
“They don’t know where to start, and are frustrated with their lack of motivation to change,” he said.
He also added that unhealthy peer pressure could be a “huge obstacle.”
Have you ever started making changes in your fitness routines and diet and then quit? If you answered yes, you are not alone. What were your reasons for giving up?  Were you getting bored of certain foods and exercises? Or were you not seeing results fast enough?
Black has five tips for you that will help you reach the finish line.
Are you ready to set your goals, dream big and get going? “Dream big to go big,” Black said. Set mini goals along the way and as you reach them make sure to celebrate.
David Scheck, senior exercise science student and personal trainer at the FGCU Fitness Center, said he keeps his clients motivated with lots of positive reinforcement. He is also helping them shape bigger goals into smaller achievable ones.
“If they put in consistent effort, results will steadily come,” Scheck said. “Typically a person starts to burn out by the fourth week — right when results would start showing.”
“It wasn’t fast and it wasn’t easy,” said Tony Pascarella, a resort and hospitality management senior. “It took me three years to be where I am right now, but it was 100 percent worth it. The best part is seeing the results show and feeling more and more confident in my body.”
Remember — where you are right now is a reflection of what you have done in the past 18 to 20 years, so where you want to be is not a couple of weeks or months away. You have to be consistent and persistent.
“Reflect on how far you have come and vary your program to keep it fresh,” Black said.
Switching up your program will make it more exciting, so you won’t lose the fire inside that keeps you going.