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Overall, the most important factor when it comes to exercise is consistency. Being able to make your workout a habit and avoid the fitness roller coaster that so many people experience is essential.
Have you ever had the experience of working out for a week, then skipping a day, which turns into a week, and before you know it, you’ve skipped a few months? You watch your fitness goals disappear as your entire workout program derails. If this has happened to you before, here are my best tips to make exercise a habit:
1. If you exercise in the morning, lay out your gym outfit before bed. Mentally, it set’s you up for exercise in the morning – and it’s less fumbling that you’ll have to do when the alarm goes off in the AM.
2. Find an exercise program that you enjoy. In reality, I don’t enjoy sprinting on the treadmill, but I do enjoy it more than cycling. Maybe for you, swimming is your favorite. Or possibly rowing or kayaking. Maybe you’d rather take a Zumba fitness class than lift weights. Or do yoga. If you can find something that you enjoy, you’re more likely to stick to it.
3. Create a schedule. Set specific dates and times for your workout. Plan it out on a calendar, and hold yourself to it. If you don’t plan ahead and set goals, you may put it off until you “don’t have the energy” to exercise. I find myself scheduling my best workouts right before dinner.
4. Get a workout buddy. If you have a commitment to meet someone at the gym, it’s harder skip out. With a buddy involved you are not only letting yourself down, but you’re also standing up a friend. Simple, but effective. Just make sure at least one of you is always motivated!
5. Commit within your limits. The most important way to stay on track is not to take on more than you can handle. I always see so many well-intentioned fitness enthusiasts burn themselves out by going from zero time at the gym to a gym overload in a week. Stay realistic, and build your commitment up slowly over time. There is nothing wrong with starting small – whatever that means for you.
6. Don’t skip scheduled workout days. One day quickly becomes two, and it’s all downhill from there. Don’t let yourself fall down that slippery slope. If you scheduled a workout day, make sure you stick to it. Of course, always remember the importance of rest days in your schedule too.
7. Find a time that works for you. Many people, myself included, workout after work. Figure out what works into your lifestyle and aligns well with your body’s energy.
8. Take the first step. When you wake up, put your feet on the floor. The hardest step is the first one. Take it!
And don’t worry, once exercise becomes a habit for you, it’s automatic. Though I’ve used many tips like these before, exercise isn’t a choice for me. When I wake up, I don’t ask myself, “Should I workout today?” I just get up and know that it is non-negotiable. And that’s that.
- Andrew Walker
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