Sharing tips on how to stay consistent in your exercise, even when life gets in the way.
Hello friends! How is your week going so far? I hope you’re having a great time. I have two podcast interviews this morning (new episode tomorrow!) and I’m looking forward to having coffee with a friend this afternoon.
For today’s post, I wanted to talk a little about training consistency. When I do my annual survey, this is always a common theme. It can be VERY difficult to stick to a routine and I wanted to share some tips.
Staying consistent with an exercise routine can be a challenge, especially when exercise isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Despite the undeniable benefits of regular physical activity, finding the motivation to lace up your sneakers and go for a run can be a struggle. If you’ve ever struggled to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, you’re not alone. In today’s post, I share tips and strategies to help you stay motivated and committed to your training goals.
How to be consistent when exercising
Start small and build gradually:
Starting a consistent exercise routine doesn’t mean diving into intense hour-long workouts right from the start. Start with manageable durations and intensity and gradually increase as your fitness level improves. This approach makes the process more sustainable. Start with just 10 minutes and see how you feel.
Set realistic goals:
Reduce your fitness goals to smaller, more achievable milestones. Setting realistic expectations prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and allows you to celebrate victories along the way, keeping you motivated in the long run. Check out this post for tips on setting goals!
Choose activities you enjoy:
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Opt for activities that you really enjoy, whether it’s dancing, hiking, or your favorite sport. When you look forward to your workout, staying consistent becomes much easier. Don’t feel like you *should* only do a certain type of exercise. The best workout is the one you will actually do. This means that it is something you enjoy and look forward to. There are a million types of exercise, which means there is the perfect one for you.
Track your progress:
Keep an exercise journal or use fitness apps to track your progress. Seeing improvements, no matter how small, serves as a powerful motivator and helps you stay accountable to your goals.
Recruit a training partner:
Recruit a friend or family member to join you on your fitness journey. Having a training partner not only adds a social aspect to exercise, but also provides mutual encouragement and support.
Mix up your routine:
Monotony can cause boredom and decreased motivation. Spice up your workouts by incorporating variety: try different exercises, classes or outdoor activities to keep things interesting. Here are workouts you can try for free!
Eliminate barriers and distractions:
Identify potential obstacles that may hinder your exercise routine and find ways to eliminate or mitigate them. Whether you’re laying out your workout gear the night before or scheduling exercise during less hectic times, removing barriers encourages consistency. Think about your biggest barriers and create a game to overcome them.
Create a home gym setup:
Consider setting up a home gym to make exercise more accessible. Having a dedicated space with essential equipment can eliminate excuses related to travel or time constraints.
Take responsibility:
Set up regular check-ins and assessments to evaluate your progress. Being accountable reinforces your commitment to staying consistent and allows you to make adjustments to your training plan as needed.
Prioritize long-term health:
Remember the many benefits of consistent exercise, ranging from weight loss to improved mental well-being. Prioritizing long-term health over short-term challenges can serve as a powerful motivator.
Maintaining consistency in exercise can be achieved with the right mindset and strategies. If you start small, set realistic goals, enjoy the process, and incorporate these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making exercise a sustainable and rewarding part of your routine. Remember, the journey to a healthier life is a marathon, not a sprint! Give yourself time and grace as you work toward your goals.
So tell me friends: do you struggle with consistency? What do you think is the most important thing that prevents you from following a routine?
If you’re looking for phased strength training plans created to burn fat, build muscle, keep boredom away, and are flexible to fit into your life, check out Fit Team! You can try it for 7 days free here.
xo
gina
