Sometimes finding the motivation to workout can be hard. For a student who has never worked out before, going to the recreation center for the first time can be extremely intimidating. They might not know where to start or what to do. It is easy to get overwhelmed and lost. For someone who is trying to maintain current fitness habits, boredom can quickly become a hurdle. Struggling to find new ways to keep exercise fun and engaging can also be a challenge.
With a new school year approaching and students coming back to campus, it is the perfect time to inspire them to jump start their fitness routines. So how can you do this? Speaking from personal experience, I recommend having students create a fitness bucket list.
Obviously, a bucket list is a compilation of things you would like to complete before your time on earth ends. A fitness bucket list would be the same, but in regards to fitness related tasks. They can be short terms goals, for example something you can to achieve in the next year, or longer term, something you would like to achieve in the next five years. But I find, when I set goals and know what I am working towards, I can create a game plan and stay motivated.
For example, my fitness bucket list for 2016 is the complete a marathon in the fall. So I registered for one in October, that way I have no excuses. Once I committed to this goal and registered, I was able to create a daily training plan, which has helped to keep me motivated. Then my goal for the next two years is to complete an Iron Man triathlon. Developing these fitness bucket lists helps to keep me on track with my workouts. I know exactly what I am working towards and keep myself accountable.
Encourage your students to do create a fitness bucket list at the beginning to this school year. What are a few things they want to accomplish this year health wise. It can be to lose five pounds, join an intramural team, workout three times a week, run a half marathon, etc. No matter how big or small, it is helpful to get these goals written down. Maybe encourage students to shares these goals on social media or have a place in the recreation center to post them, as a way to increase accountability. Once students develop a goal, they can create a plan that will assist them in reaching it.
