How to Stay Motivated: Tips from a Bella Vista Personal Trainer

By Ryan Fraser, Director of Focus Health & Fitness

Staying motivated is one of the biggest challenges we face on the journey to achieving our fitness goals. I’ve been in the fitness industry for a long time, and even as a personal trainer, I know firsthand that maintaining motivation isn’t always easy. Life gets busy, energy fluctuates, and sometimes we just don’t feel like working out. The key is learning how to reignite that motivation when it dips.

So today, I want to share some practical tips to help you stay motivated and consistent with your fitness routine. Whether you’re just getting started or have been at it for years, these strategies have worked for me and my clients, and they can work for you too.

1. Set Realistic, Achievable Goals

When I first meet with clients, one of the most important things we discuss is goal setting. Many people lose motivation because they set unrealistic goals that are difficult to achieve, leading to frustration and disappointment. I always recommend starting with small, achievable goals. For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose 10kg in a month,” aim for something more manageable, like “I want to work out three times a week for the next month.”

Setting smaller, realistic goals allows you to experience success more frequently, which in turn boosts your motivation. When you hit those milestones, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that propels you forward.

My Tip:

Set short-term and long-term goals. Celebrate the small wins along the way, and remember that progress is progress, no matter how small.

2. Find Workouts You Enjoy

If you’re forcing yourself to do workouts you hate, it’s no surprise that your motivation drops quickly. One of the best ways to stay consistent is to find an exercise routine that you genuinely enjoy. Personally, I love strength training and yoga, so I incorporate both into my own routine because they challenge me physically and mentally in different ways. If you love what you’re doing, you’re far more likely to stick with it.

Whether it’s weightlifting, yoga, cycling, running, or group classes like Ryoga(which we offer at Focus Health & Fitness), find something that makes you excited to move. You’re more likely to stay motivated when your workout feels like something to look forward to, not a chore.

My Tip:

Experiment with different types of workouts until you find what clicks for you. Don’t be afraid to try something new – variety can help keep things exciting!

3. Create a Routine and Stick to It

Building a routine is essential for staying motivated. Once your workouts become a non-negotiable part of your schedule, it’s much easier to stay consistent. I recommend picking specific days and times to work out each week and treating those sessions as appointments with yourself that you can’t miss.

At Focus Health & Fitness, we help our clients build sustainable routines that fit into their lifestyles. When you have a set schedule, it’s easier to prioritize fitness because it becomes a habit, not an afterthought.

My Tip:

Block out your workout times in your calendar like you would for any other important meeting. Consistency breeds success!

4. Track Your Progress

One of the biggest motivators for me and my clients is seeing tangible results. Whether it’s feeling stronger, noticing physical changes, or achieving a new personal best, tracking your progress is a powerful tool to keep you motivated. I always recommend that clients take photos, record measurements, or keep a workout journal to track their progress over time.

When you look back at where you started and see how far you’ve come, it’s incredibly rewarding. This visual evidence of your hard work will fuel your desire to keep going.

My Tip:

Use an app or a simple notebook to record your workouts, weights, reps, or running distances. Looking back on your progress can give you the motivation to keep pushing forward.

5. Find Accountability

Accountability is one of the most effective ways to stay motivated. Whether it’s working out with a friend, hiring a personal trainer, or joining a fitness community, having someone else who supports your fitness journey can make all the difference. Personally, I’ve seen clients achieve amazing results simply because they had someone to check in with and keep them on track.

At Focus Health & Fitness, I work with clients not just to guide their workouts but to hold them accountable to their goals. It’s much harder to skip a workout when you know someone is counting on you to show up.

My Tip:

Find an accountability partner, join a fitness class, or hire a personal trainer to help keep you on track and motivated to achieve your goals.

6. Mix It Up

Doing the same workout over and over can quickly lead to boredom and a loss of motivation. That’s why I encourage my clients to mix things up regularly. Not only does variety keep things interesting, but it also challenges your body in new ways, preventing plateaus.

At Focus Health & Fitness, we offer a range of programs like personal training, strength workouts, and Ryoga to provide that variety. This helps our clients stay engaged and continue making progress.

My Tip:

Switch up your workout routine every few weeks. Try a new class, increase your weights, or incorporate different styles of training to keep things fresh.

7. Focus on How You Feel, Not Just How You Look

It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetic goals like weight loss or muscle definition, but one of the most important motivators for staying consistent is focusing on how exercise makes you feel. When you exercise regularly, you’ll likely notice improvements in your energy levels, mood, and stress management.

I always remind my clients that fitness isn’t just about how you look; it’s about feeling stronger, healthier, and more confident in your body. The physical changes will come as a result of your consistency, but don’t overlook the mental and emotional benefits along the way.

My Tip:

Take note of how you feel before and after your workouts. Do you feel more energized? Less stressed? Focusing on these benefits can help keep you motivated in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Staying motivated on your fitness journey isn’t always easy, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to stay consistent and reach your goals. Remember that motivation isn’t something you either have or don’t have — it’s something you can create through small, daily actions. Set realistic goals, find exercises you enjoy, track your progress, and hold yourself accountable. And don’t be afraid to seek help along the way — I’m here to support you through every step of your journey.

If you need guidance or a plan to help stay motivated, contact me at Focus Health & Fitness. Together, we can design a program that keeps you moving forward and feeling your best.

You’ve got this — let’s stay motivated and achieve those goals!

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