Psychology Behind Fitness Motivation: Lose Weight & Stay Fit for Life

Do you have trouble staying motivated to work out?

It wouldn't be surprising.

Even if you have a personal trainer who guides you and motivates you for that hour three times a week, it can still be difficult to stay motivated when you're not with him or her.

So, aside from hiring to be with you 24/7, what can you do?

It may be as easy as three simple tips.

Visualization
Simply by visualizing yourself getting in a good workout, you can boost your results. Accessing a memory from a recent workout (even if it was painful) helps you get and stay motivated.

Have Fun
People underestimate the power of fun, especially when it comes to working out. But you don't have to be so serious to be focused. In fact, a recent study revealed that if you're NOT having fun, you're more inclined to snack. Try something like Zumba, for example, or go to the gym with friends.

Shop
Now, you might think the only "exercise" you get from shopping is swiping your credit card. But a relatively new concept called enclothed cognition says that what you wear affects your performance. Study results show that you'll perform better, have more focus and energy, be more into what you're doing and work out longer. So, for instance, dressing like a personal trainer or like a professional cyclist can improve your workouts.

This concept can also help in other areas of your life. For example, if you shop for sharp work clothes, you may perform better at your job.

Dr. Kim Chronister, health psychologist and wellness expert, joins Andrea and Lisa to share her years of research on the psychology of motivation and also explains how fitness can make your life more full.