Rachel Grunwell: how to motivate yourself

Don't just look online for motivation says Rachel Grunwell

If you are exercising to only look skinnier on the bathroom scales, then your fitness fad won't last long.

Or, if you have motivation only because someone in lycra tortures you at a boot camp, then you'll soon get fed up with that too. Or, if you are punishing yourself with hundreds of burpees, or sipping weight-loss tea, because a glam girl on Instagram told you that's the key to getting ripped abs ... then this inspiration will fizzle fast also.

You see, fitness inspiration works best when it comes from within. Use intrinsic drivers instead. Move your body instead for the sake of your health. Move your body because it makes you feel well, more alert, drives your energy levels and helps you sleep. Move your body too because it helps you to fight a bunch of lifestyle-linked diseases. Do it because of self-love.

Use the powerful reason to move your body too because you want to inspire your kids to be healthier too.

I'm reading the book Pretty Unhealthy by Dr Nikki Stamp, who is a heart surgeon.

She's angry about the bikini-body Transformation-Tuesday style revolution. She reckons our obsession with looking healthy "is making us sick". She believes we need to change our relationship with food and exercise.

She's scathing in the book about social media stars who promote workouts that can supposedly get you in "the best shape of your life". Such workouts are usually associated with selling equipment or an app, she writes.

I agree with Dr Stamp in a lot of circumstances. I inspire people too to seek out influencers with some qualifications. They understand the science and can motivate you to move your body in a safe and considered way for more powerful lasting results.

However, I don't discount influencers as a powerful motivational force.

You see, I sit in both "camps". I work with a lot of big brands as a "wellbeing influencer", inspiring Kiwis to live healthier and happier. I'm also on "the other side" as a qualified coach and qualified yoga teacher who loves working with clients.

At the end of the day, I'd inspire you to use intrinsic drivers that are science-backed to work to get you healthier. Follow influencers that are trustworthy and have genuine depth to their messages. But, ultimately whoever inspires you to get motivated off the couch to move ... well, there's gold in that too.

— Rachel Grunwell is a qualified coach and yoga teacher. She's a wellness expert and author of the book Balance: Food, Health + Happiness. Find Rachel via inspiredhealth.co.nz, on Instagram (@rachelgrunwell) and on InspiredHealthNZ's Facebook.