“5 Strategies to Turn Exercise into an Investment”
Taking quotes, selfies, and pep talks can give you a motivational boost, but sometimes even that isn’t enough. When you find yourself glued to the couch, nothing seems to work—except perhaps the fear of losing money. So, how about making exercise cost you?
Nobody likes losing money, and people will go to great lengths to avoid it. While money might not be the ultimate motivator, it can be quite effective.
If you’re struggling to get motivated, making exercise cost you could be your last-resort strategy. Here’s how:
One obvious way is to book personal trainer sessions. With sessions ranging from $40 to $75 an hour, I guarantee you’ll get to the gym. Plus, missing or rescheduling a session often means forfeiting your money. Building a good relationship with your trainer can also boost your motivation. Another option is purchasing fitness class sessions, which work on the same principle.
Another method is to embrace healthy lifestyle changes and watch the results (trust me, you’ll see them). When you’ve lost enough weight that your clothes don’t fit, give away your old ones. This act signifies a permanent shift; going back to your old habits will cost you a whole new wardrobe.
One more trick is to buy a dress or swimsuit that is a couple of sizes too small and keep it in clear view. Every time you see it, you’ll be reminded of your goal, and the fact that you’ve spent money on something you can’t yet use will push you to get active. Slimming down will let you enjoy that amazing outfit.
In addition, rewarding yourself for keeping up with your exercise plan while penalizing missed workouts can be motivating. Plan to work out four times a week. For each successful workout, reward yourself with money to spend on things you love. If you miss a workout, consider that money lost. This method works best with a friend to keep you accountable. You could also place a friendly bet with a friend, earning or losing money based on your workout consistency.
Finally, consider hiring an exercise coach. Coaches set you up with weekly plans and provide motivational techniques to keep you on track. They also empower you by teaching you what effective workouts look like, which can make you feel more confident working out on your own. Plus, having invested money, you’re more likely to stick to your workout routine. Coaches can design plans for home workouts, gym sessions, or even on-the-go exercises.
Sometimes, we need more than just inspirational quotes and pictures to stay motivated. Financial stakes can be a powerful tool to get you moving and help build lasting motivation. Whichever method you choose, stick to it and you’ll see amazing results.
Make exercise cost you, empower yourself, build your confidence, and achieve the results you want and deserve!