by Ashley Schoborg MA CPT
Ashley’s Background:
Ashley has a master’s degree exercise physiologist and is a personal trainer with 18 years of experience in the fitness industry. She works with many clients aged 50+ and felt compelled to write this article for the Unity community to shed light on this very popular fitness myth. Ashley discovered Unity of Albany through the hiking group, and has been a leader and active member of that group, and for the past 9 months has been Chair of Unity’s marketing team.
A question I’m asked frequently is:
“I really want to work out regularly, but how do I cultivate more motivation?”
Answer:
I hear this ALL the time. And it’s the biggest workout myth around. People think those who have
exercise as a regular part of their life are always motivated. But, this just absolutely isn’t true.
Motivation is an emotion. And emotions ebb and flow.
No one that is successful with any habit is successful because they’re relying on motivation to get it done. That’s just not reliable.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I’m in the fitness industry and have been for 18 years, but, believe it or not, I don’t LOVE lifting weights. So, it’s not often there are days where I say, “I can’t wait to go lift weights! I’m just super motivated to go do this!”
Most days I’m like, “I really don’t feel like doing this, but it’s time to go get this in because this is the time I have allotted, and if I don’t do it now, it’s not going to get done.”
I don’t get my strength workouts in because of motivation. I get them in because I make them a priority. And I accept the fact that if I want to be healthy, they just need to be happening regularly.
Motivation is an emotion. And emotions ebb and flow.
I treat my workout habit more like brushing my teeth. I’m never motivated to brush my teeth per say, but I like having healthy teeth (and setting a good example for my 10 year old daughter) so I make it a priority to brush my teeth.
If we want to feel strong, flexible, and vibrant in our body, we need to make strength training (and exercise overall) a priority. We can’t wait for motivated moments that may be few and far between.
~Ashley Schoborg MA CPT
If you want to make safe and efficient strength training a part of your life, but don’t know how to start, reach out to me for a free 20 minute consultation over Zoom.
We will chat to see how we can bring strength training into your life in the most efficient way possible for you!
Aschoborg11@gmail.com
https://train-with-ashley.mailchimpsites.com/