Many people struggle to remain consistent with working out only to quit soon after they start. It can be difficult to add consistent exercise to your busy schedule, but if you consider the following tips, you might find yourself back in shape in no time.
1- Start Slow
If you have not worked out in a while or have never consistently exercised, it is best to start slowly to ease yourself into a routine. If you start too hard or too fast, you may become so sore that it may be impossible to continue, or worse yet, you can injure yourself. Listen to your body and make sure you tailor your workout to your current abilities.
2- Choose Activities You Love
If you hate running, then don’t choose that as your exercise program. It sounds simple, but often we are convinced that a certain exercise is best, no matter how much we don’t like it, and then try to force ourselves to do it. You will most certainly quit this activity. You can try biking, swimming, HIIT, dance, yoga, or simply a walking workout. You are more likely to stick with an activity you enjoy.
3- Set Realistic Goals
Setting unrealistic goals is a sure way to derail your motivation. If your goal is to run a marathon 3 months from now and you have never exercised, you are sure to fail and feel bad about yourself. A more realistic goal might be to participate in a 3k. Setting smaller, attainable goals will ensure you can meet those goals and stay motivated.
4- Schedule Your Workouts
Scheduling your workouts might help you to stay on track. Finding a set time for everyday workouts is ideal and could help you with consistency. If this is not possible, you could set a different time for certain days. In a few weeks, working out will become a routine part of your life.
5- Find a Workout Buddy
Having a workout partner could help you stay motivated and hold you accountable to keeping your commitments. Even joining up with your partner once a week could help keep you on track with your goals.
6- Do a Variety of Workouts
Doing the same exercises repeatedly can become boring and make it easy for you to quit and can also cause injury. It is best to mix up the types of workouts you do, such as alternating cardio training with weight training. Some virtual systems offer many workout options you can do at home.
7- Track Your Workouts
Tracking your progress either on an app or simply by writing it down can help to keep you motivated to continue. As you see the progress you are making, you can get the boost you need to keep going and keep making progress.
8- Be Kind to Yourself
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. If you are not feeling well then give yourself permission to not work out. If you only have 20 minutes instead of 30 to work out, that is fine, it is better than nothing. An all-or-nothing approach to exercise may find you discouraged and likely to quit.
Trying just a few of these ideas could help you to make the changes you need to get the regular exercise your body needs. The benefits of regular exercise are numerous, and you are sure to feel better once you are consistently exercising.