It is safe to say that we all have good intentions. We all want to work out and keep healthy. Yet, sometimes, this is much easier said than done. Here are 5 tips to help you stick to your work out plan.
- Find An Exercise That You Actually Like
Not everyone likes to do the same type of work out. Some like loud music and high intensity regimes while others may prefer a more peaceful programme. Some like running outdoors while some others prefer the comfort of a gym or a home workout.
Which type are you?
You will be more able to keep up with your exercise routine if you are honest with yourself about the type of work outs that you like or can actually see yourself doing.
2. Find an Exercise Buddy
You will be more likely to commit if there is someone that is keeping you accountable. You will be less likely to bail if you know that someone else is counting on you.
Select the type of workout you like and find a partner in crime! Even a group!
3. Set a Fixed Time
Commit to the work out by setting aside a regular period of time to do the exercise that you have planned to do. If you block out time for exercise into your calendar, like you would a meeting or a dentist appointment, this will help you mentally prepare, and not push it off until tomorrow.
Setting a fixed time in your schedule signals your intent and commitment!
4. Be Realistic
If you are just starting out, don’t immediately start with a 5 km run or a one hour work out!
It’s easy to psych yourself out of a workout if the initial workout sounds totally overwhelming. If you think that you have to “go big or go home”, you will end up “going home.” Instead, start with something that seems short or even too easy. Then, the next day, you’ll come back rearing to go harder.
5. Have a Motivating Playlist
Music is often a motivating factor in working out. What type of music rocks your groove and will keep you going? Select a playlist that gets you moving!
Alternatively, if you are not the music listening type, how about a riveting podcast that you can only listen to when you work out? Or, one TV show you love that you can only watch on your smart phone when you’re on the stair-master, treadmill, or elliptical?
That way, you have an incentive!
