How To Stay Consistent With Working Out
Are you ready to start an exercise program but wonder how to stay consistent with working out? The good news is you absolutely can build positive habits that keep you on track with meeting your fitness goals. Learn how to create an exercise routine that works for you, plus fun ways to keep yourself driven.
How To Stay Consistent With Working Out: The Problem
Lots of folks mean well when they plan to work out regularly, but sometimes they end up making excuses instead of sticking to it. Some of the usual reasons for skipping a workout include feeling like there’s not enough time, being too worn out, finding the exercises too tough, and things like that.
If this sounds like you, examine the excuses you tend to give more closely to find clues as to what is stopping you. If you feel too tired at the end of the day, try working out in the morning. If you can’t seem to find the time, divide your workout time into smaller sessions. For those who feel exercise is too hard, maybe you need to find a different activity that you enjoy and that is appropriate for your current level of fitness.
Tips and Tricks for Staying Consistent With Your Workout Regimen
Get the Right Mindset
Keeping a positive mindset is key to staying on track. Get yourself in a good mood to find the energy to make things happen. Don’t expect instant results and be gentle with yourself. Stay patient because it takes time to see progress, but what you’re doing is important.
Create a Schedule
Finding the time to exercise is a common roadblock for many people. Plan it into your day in advance so you carve out the time to complete your workout consistently. Add it to your calendar. Set a reminder on your phone. Creating a schedule ensures you prioritize your exercise time.
Stay Realistic
To keep up with your workouts, it’s important to be realistic. Instead of aiming for big changes like revamping your whole life with a healthier diet and daily exercise, focus on small adjustments that fit easily into your routine. It’s easier to stick with changes you can handle without overwhelming yourself.
Think about how much time you have to work out, which days of the week you have free time, where you will exercise, and other logistics. Avoid the all-or-nothing attitude and let yourself gradually shift into your new lifestyle.
Make It Fun
If you don’t like a workout, pushing yourself to do it won’t last long. Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore. There are lots of ways to move your body regularly that you might enjoy. Keep trying different things until you find what you like.
Make exercising fun by listening to music. Create a playlist of your favourite upbeat songs to energize you. Just press play, and you’ll feel ready to work out in no time.
Switch Up Your Routine
Doing the same thing every day, even if you really like it, can start to feel dull. It’s a good idea to find a few different activities that you enjoy and switch between them to keep things fun. Maybe you could play a sport with a team on Saturdays, take a class at the gym, or give martial arts a try.
You can do lots of exercises at home without fancy gear. Try yoga with or without stuff like blankets or straps. Even wall exercises are great and need no gear, just use your own body weight for a good workout.
Try Mini Workouts
Fit your workout into your lifestyle more easily by breaking it up into smaller chunks throughout the day. Instead of struggling to find the time or energy to get in a full workout, aim for three 10-minute bursts of activity spaced out over your day.
You could start your morning with some yoga, go for a walk over your lunch break, and do some weight training in the evening as you watch TV. If you find the idea of a lengthier workout intimidating, this is the tactic for you to try.
Work Out With a Friend
Exercising with a friend is way more fun! Plus, when you have someone waiting for you, you’re more likely to go. Just find a pal who shares your fitness goals and team up to reach them together. Easy peasy!
Track Your Progress
It’s great to see how much you’ve improved since you started. Keep track of your progress and the exercises you do, noting how hard you push yourself. You might be surprised to see how much stronger you’ve become as you notice yourself doing more reps and sets over time.
Celebrate Yourself
Reward yourself for reaching goals, both small and large, by having a little celebration to honour your achievement. Plan a fun night out or reward yourself by buying a new outfit or an item you’ve had your eye on. Taking note of the milestones gives you something to look forward to as you push yourself.