Staying motivated can sometimes be challenging and in these chaotic times, even more so. However, here are some tips to ensure you don't get discouraged and get a step closer to achieving your fitness goals. Define the goal: Make an extremely clear note of the goal. Define it as clearly as possible and state exactly what you want to achieve and by when. Understand your why: You may know what you want, you may even have an idea of how to achieve it but what is really important is understanding why you want it. Whatever the reason may be, write it down and be honest. Knowing why you want it and looking at your reason from time to time, will remind you why you started in the first place and help you stay on track. Make a plan: Now that you know your goal and why you want to achieve it, it is time to make a clear, definitive plan. The route should be well understood and realistic. Things you can ask yourself while making the plan include how you are going to achieve it, time you can dedicate each day to achieve your goal, understand your calorie intake and output (in terms of food and exercise), if you are doing this alone or going to get a buddy or trainer to help you through it etc. Break goals into tasks: You might have one massive goal, but a great way to stay on track is to break them up into smaller tasks. Achieving those little tasks along the way will help you stay motivated and guide you towards achieving the ultimate goal. Keep it positive: When you make your plan, and break up your goals you will find things easier to handle. As you achieve each little goal or task, do not forget to be proud of yourself. If for some reason there has been a delay don't beat yourself up on it, work harder, stay positive and catch up. Organise: Ensure everything is well organised from the very beginning. For example, know what you are eating for the next few days, plan ahead and get the right groceries. Another example is making sure you know your workout hour in the day, so nothing can come between you and your workout. Be well prepared so that there are no last minute surprises. Zone: It is important to stay in the zone and focus. One way of doing that is having a regular routine and knowing when you are doing what and what is next. Sometimes listening to motivational music, speeches or even just having a simple task book to tick things off can help. Keep it fun: This is something I find extremely important in order to stay on track. We sometimes forget how important it is to have fun doing the things we are doing and enjoying the journey! If you have fun while working towards your goal there are extremely low chances of you falling off the bandwagon. Find a trainer who motivates you and makes sessions fun, or just try different exercise forms until you find something you enjoy! I assure you you will find something that will keep you on track. Deadlines: It is really important to form deadlines and try to stick to them. Be realistic and set a deadline for each task and the goal as a whole, this will direct your energy towards achieving your goal. Reward yourself: Last but not the least, do not forget to reward yourself. Appreciate yourself and be proud of everything you have achieved. No matter how far you have come, it is definitely more than where you started and that in itself is awesome! And when you do achieve your final goal, reward yourself, you now have officially earned that 'treat meal'. Inputs by Pilates Coach Namrata Purohit

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Stay motivated when working out at home - Times of India