Everyone can use a little extra motivation from time to time, no matter if you are a conditioned athlete or just starting your workout journey. The problem is that people know they should exercise. The science is there and studies show that working out on a regular basis improves aspects of mental and physical health. Responsibilities of life and other engagements get in the way, though, making it difficult to have a self-imposed sweat.
The problem is not working out; rather, the problem is making your workouts consistent. Committing to the process is a promise that you take your health seriously. How do you start working out consistently, though, especially if you are new to exercise? Exercise should hook you on its own, as it releases feel-good hormones, endorphins, that promote feelings of euphoria. If you don’t know where to begin, it’s best to analyze your personality and lifestyle habits.
The problem many people face is fitting workouts into their life, which doesn’t work. You have to make your workouts work for you, and enjoying them is a must! Stay on track with your workouts by using the following tips and tricks.
You’re Not Too Busy
Even the busiest people find time to exercise a few times per week, if not every day. Ultimately, you decide if exercise is a priority or not. The problem most people have is that they think a workout has to last 45-90 minutes, which simply isn’t true. There are many 10- or 15-minute workouts that are very effective. When you can break a sweat and feel the burn in a short amount of time, you can see how easy it is to workout every day. Everyone has 15 minutes to spare!
Make An Appointment
Mark your workouts down on a calendar, just as you would do for a teeth cleaning or a physical. Putting your workouts on your calendar can help you plan a consistent schedule. Instead of fitting your workouts in with other appointments, you’ll start scheduling other engagements around your workouts. This is the ultimate goal and it can take time to get there. To begin, set a goal to exercise three days per week, marking each day and time down on your calendar. You can increase workout time, difficulty, and frequency from there.
Find A Workout You Enjoy
This is the most important trick to establishing a consistent workout schedule. If you go to a gym and find that you don’t enjoy being there, you won’t go back. Then you’ll pay for a gym membership without using it. Find a workout that you enjoy and you’ll have the desire to go back. Some people prefer Pilates or yoga, while others enjoy spin class or CrossFit. Your workout can also consist of going surfing, biking, or playing pickup basketball. The possibilities are endless, so find your passion and you won’t have a problem working out regularly.
Set Mini Goals
One mistake that can deter you from working out is setting unrealistic goals. If you set a goal to lose 15 pounds in two weeks, you probably won’t come back to the gym again. Instead, it’s better to set mini goals because they motivate you to keep progressing at a steady pace. If the big goal is reaching the top of a staircase, for example, mini goals are the steps that you have to climb to get there. Increase the length of your run by half a mile every week, or increase your rep count by two reps. Small goals help you get to where you want to go, and they keep you excited about and committed to working out.
Pick Workouts You’re Good At
According to research, humans have a desire to be good at something. For this reason, sports psychologists recommend that people seek out things they both enjoy and are confident in doing. You can also pick a workout or activity that you want to get better at. The activity doesn’t have to be easy for you; rather, you should push yourself in terms of building endurance and muscle strength. If basketball excites you, then go play! If you have the desire to learn jiu-jitsu or kickboxing, get after it!
