Tips To Stick To Your Exercise Routine
Tips to Stick to Your Exercise Routine
It’s very easy to start an exercise routine, but as many of us know it is harder than you think to stay consistent. A couple poor decisions can ruin all the hard work we put in at the gym. For adults it is recommended that we get 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise 3 times per week, in addition to weight/resistance training 2-3 times per week. Here are a few quick tips to keep on track toward your fitness goals.
Do it for Yourself – Studies show that those who are internally motivated to get in shape, stay with their routine for the long haul. Those who are externally motivated usually fall short of their goals and don’t stick with it.
Start Small – Being realistic with yourself goes a long way, a lot of people like to start off strong which is no problem. There is a fine line between starting strong and being overzealous. Pushing yourself too hard from the get go can cause you to become burnt out before you even see progress. Take baby steps and remember it’s not a sprint it’s a marathon.
Switch It up – Finding a fitness routine that you love is hard enough, but our excitement quickly diminishes if we stick to it religiously. Find a way to work some of your favorite exercises into a new routine so you still have the tried and true exercises, but also some new movements to keep you on your toes.
Find a Friend – There is no better way to hold yourself accountable for your fitness goals than to tell others about them. You can take that a step further and bring a friend along for moral support and motivation. This can function as a support system, and add some healthy competition; which might be just what you need to stay motivated.
Form Habits – Getting the recommended amount of exercise time each week can be tough. Once you take some steps in the right direction it should become second nature. Staying active should be as second nature as brushing your teeth or brewing that morning cup of joe.
Lock in – Look at your calendar at the beginning of each week and find a time block that you feel comfortable getting a workout in. If you’re a day to day type of person you should plan your workouts the night before, they shouldn’t be a last minute task if you have time for them. Some may even find it easier to workout at the same time on the same days each week. Do what make sense for you!
Why so Serious? – You missed a workout, so what? Your body isn’t going to lose all of that progress that you’ve achieved overnight. Studies show that taking a break from your routine can have positive effects on your strength, endurance, and recovery.
Have Fun – Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Physical fitness shouldn’t be the main goal of your life, it should coincide with supporting living a long happy life. Exercise is more enjoyable when it’s an activity, not an objective.
Benefits of Physical Exercise
Decreased chances of overweight and obesity
Decreased risk of heart attack or stroke
Less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes
Combats osteoporosis and supports bone density
Decreased risk for colon cancer
Helps relieve depression and anxiety
Decreased risk of overall mortality
Contact us today to schedule you complimentary fitness consulatation
(440) 250-9988 or email info@livefitpt.com
