Thinking about how to stick to an exercise routine can be quite tough. It\u2019s far easier to make New Year\u2019s fitness resolutions as opposed to finding the sustained exercise motivation to keep them. We all have the best intentions out there on 1 January and then as the year rolls on, we lose steam, confidence as well as motivation.<\/p>\n
What seemed so achievable just days or weeks ago \u2014 going to the gym five days a week or running a half marathon \u2014 can somehow morph into something impossible. And while it\u2019s simple to blame our loss of focus on life happening, perhaps the biggest threat to a realistic resolution is the narrative that plays in our heads.<\/p>\n
There are a number of different things to think about when you’re easing back into an exercise routine if you’ve been taking a break for the last couple of weeks, months, or even years. We know what’s up when it comes to getting adjusted and avoiding injury. Here are several things to keep in mind as you kick-start your new fitness<\/a> journey.<\/p>\n As you get started with your exercise routine, think about long-term consistency. A wonderful question to ask yourself is, ‘How many days a week can you truthfully fit your exercise routine into your life?’\u00a0 Ideally, you will need to work yourself up to 4-5 days a week however you definitely don’t have to START there if that’s too overwhelming.<\/p>\n Start by scheduling only two-three workouts a week.\u00a0 They can be short 30 minute interval training workouts, weight lifting sessions or yoga in the beginning.\u00a0 Really it is the HABIT you are creating, not necessarily the workouts specifically.\u00a0 Establishing a realistic goal<\/a> is key to sticking to it, and since you’ll almost certainly be sore after your first one or two workouts, this means you’ll have a couple of days to recover in-between workouts.<\/p>\n In addition, it’s important to plan your workouts at the most convenient times possible.\u00a0 For example, if you know you’re always exhausted at the end of a workday, it’s probably not ideal to plan a 7 P.M. workout. You’re going to skip it and feel defeated.\u00a0 You may just have to bite the bullet and wake up an hour earlier – even if you’re not a morning person.\u00a0 Set yourself up for success by choosing days and times you can really commit to.<\/p>\n At the start of every year, there is that frenzy to achieve your fitness goals.\u00a0 In the midst of this frenzy, it\u2019s easy to be expecting instant results. You put in the hard work at the gym for a week or so and are then disappointed when you aren\u2019t yet able to do a perfect push-up. In reality, however, dependent on your current fitness level, achieving the push-up may take weeks or even months of hard, steady work. This divide between expectation and reality can be seriously demotivating.<\/p>\nBegin By Scheduling Just Three Workouts A Week At Times Which Are Convenient<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Be Patient And Make Sure You Play The Long Game<\/strong><\/h2>\n