Share tips on how to keep moving, even when life gets in the way.
Hi friends! How has your week been so far? I hope you have a great time. I have two podcast interviews this morning (the new episode will be out tomorrow!) and I’m looking forward to coffee with friends this afternoon.
In today’s post, I want to talk about consistency in movement. This is always a common theme when I do my annual survey. It can be hard to stick to a routine, and I wanted to share some tips.
Sticking to an exercise program can be challenging, especially if not everyone enjoys exercise. Despite the undeniable benefits of regular physical training, finding the motivation to lace up your sneakers and get moving can be difficult. If you’ve ever struggled to incorporate exercise into your daily life, you’re not alone. In today’s article, I’ll share some tips and strategies to help you stay motivated and committed to your exercise goals.
How to keep your workouts consistent
Start small and build gradually:
Starting a consistent exercise habit doesn’t mean engaging in hour-long bursts of intense exercise right from the start. Start with manageable duration and intensity and gradually increase as your fitness level improves. This approach makes the process more sustainable. Start with 10 minutes and see how you feel.
Set realistic goals:
Reduce your fitness goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Setting realistic expectations will prevent you from getting overwhelmed and allow you to celebrate wins along the way, keeping you motivated in the long term. Check out this article for tips on goal setting!
Choose your preferred activity:
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Choose an activity you really enjoy, whether it’s dancing, hiking or your favorite sport. When you’re looking forward to exercise, it’s much easier to maintain consistency. Don’t feel like you “should” only do a certain type of exercise. The best exercise is the one you actually do. This means it’s something you enjoy and look forward to. There are a million ways to exercise out there, which means there’s definitely one that’s right for you.
Track your progress:
Keep an exercise diary or use a fitness app to track your progress. Seeing improvements, no matter how small, can be a powerful motivator and help you stay accountable to your goals.
Recruit exercise partners:
Invite friends or family to join you on your fitness journey. Having an exercise partner not only adds to the social aspect of exercise, but also provides mutual encouragement and support.
Mix it up into your daily routine:
Monotony can lead to boredom and decreased motivation. Make your workouts interesting by incorporating variety – Try different exercises, classes or outdoor activities to keep things interesting. Here are some exercises you can try for free!
Remove obstacles and distractions:
Identify potential barriers that may hinder your daily movement and find ways to eliminate or mitigate them. Whether you have your workout clothes ready the night before or you schedule your workouts during a less busy time, removing obstacles can promote consistency. Think of your biggest obstacles and create a game to overcome them.
Set up a home gym setup:
Consider building a home gym to make exercise easier. Having a dedicated space with necessary equipment can eliminate excuses related to travel or time constraints.
Responsible for their own:
Set up regular check-ins and evaluations to assess your progress. Holding yourself accountable reinforces your commitment to staying consistent and allows you to adjust your exercise plan as needed.
Prioritize long-term health:
Remind yourself of the many benefits of consistent exercise, from weight loss to improved mental health. Putting long-term health over short-term challenges can be a powerful motivator.
With the right mindset and strategy, you can maintain consistency in your movement. By starting small, setting realistic goals, enjoying the process, and incorporating these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making exercise a sustainable and beneficial part of your daily life. Remember, the journey to better health is a marathon, not a sprint! As you work toward your goals, give yourself time and grace.
So, friends, tell me: Do you have trouble with consistency? What do you think is the biggest thing holding you back from sticking to a routine?
If you’re looking for a phased strength training program designed to burn fat, build muscle, fight boredom, and be flexible with life, check out Fit Team! You can try it for free for 7 days here.
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Gina