More in Sweat

Get Pumped Up for a Workout…. With Your Phone?

By Alexis Wolfer

If you have trouble getting motivated for the gym, you’re not alone. Whether you have a busy day ahead, had a busy day yesterday, didn’t sleep well, would rather sleep in, watch TV, or eat breakfast or you just don’t want to drive or walk in the rain, snow or heat, we’ve heard ‘em all.  In fact, we’ve uttered them all.  But what if we told you there was a solution as easily accessible as your phone?

Time’s no longer an excuse if you have this workout plan!

A recent study conducted by Stanford University (and reported in the Wall Street Journal)found that just a simple phone call (even one as infrequent as every three weeks) made participants exercise up to 100% more than they had been. The calls, some by a real person, others automated, asked the participant how much they had exercised the past week, how they could increase it next week and congratulated them on their performance.

Not only is the call a gentle reminder to get moving, but also a means by which to hold yourself accountable without relying on mere willpower alone (and we all know how weak willpower can be!). Coupled with positive reinforcement, just this small amount of social support can not only increase physical activity dramatically in the short-term, but also can lead to a long-term, lasting commitment to exercise.

Learn to overcome your food cravings here!

So, how do you take advantage of this new research without having to join a similar study? Engage your friends in a motivational challenge! Schedule bi-monthly calls between friends where you similarly motivate each other to exercise. Remember, though, to keep it positive!

Friends not as into this as you are? No worries! Some gyms have actually begun to incorporate programs that allow them to monitor your exercise-adherence – so ask around!

Need exercise ideas to get you started? Try this plan from top trainer Paul Pisani!