Being more physically active can help you feel better, deal with stress more easily, and handle day-to-day activities more comfortably. If you’ve already started on a fitness program, here are some things you can do to stay interested and motivated.
- Get support from friends, family, and coworkers. They can provide encouragement and help during difficult times.
- Find others to be active with, whether it’s a friend, family member, or fitness group.
- Get instruction and encouragement from an exercise professional. Call 8-1-1 to speak to a qualified exercise professional or Email Physical Activity Services.
- Join a club, take a class, or attend drop-in sessions at a recreation centre.
- Try new activities and add variety and challenges to your existing activities. Set yourself new goals so your activity doesn’t become boring (for instance, doing a 10 kilometre fun run or going on a biking holiday). If your activity focuses on one fitness area (like running or biking), try new activities that focus on other areas (like yoga or weight lifting).
- Try to be active every day. Doing activity at the same time each day helps it become part of your routine. Doing a program that’s supervised may help you be more serious about setting aside time, and it’s more fun when other people are involved.
- Be active in a variety of places (for instance, use stairs, park your car away from stores and walk, take a walking break at work).
- Keep refining and reviewing your goals. If you’re not making progress, change your goals or activity plan.
- Use a physical activity diary, progress charts or a logbook to keep track of your activity and record your achievements. This gives you positive feedback and supports your progress. Check out our Physical Activity Log or Walking Log.
- Have a fitness assessment. Seeing the progress you’re making can be very motivating.
- Focus on the benefits of being active - how much better you feel, your increased self-esteem, the enjoyment you get out of it, and the health benefits you expect.
- Be prepared for setbacks. Have ways to stay active during holidays or when you’re busy at work or school. If you’re recovering from an injury, take a break and try a new activity (for instance, switch from running to swimming).
- Avoid injuries by making sure your activity level is realistic. Exercise safely and make sure to do a proper warm-up and cool-down.
- Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes and using proper equipment.
- See your health care provider if you have a health concern.
- Reward yourself for meeting goals and recognize your accomplishments!
Last Reviewed: March 2017
©2017 Province of British Columbia. All rights reserved. May be reproduced in its entirety provided the source is acknowledged. This information is not meant to replace advice from your medical doctor or individual counselling with a health professional. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
