How To Create A Healthy Exercise Routine That You'll Actually Stick To
We’ve all been there:
“I’ll start going to the gym on Monday”
“Tomorrow I’ll start working out”
“I’m going to join a challenge so I can start working out!”
You really believe that exercise will help you feel better but you keep putting it off. Why is that?
It’s the approach.
Looking at exercise as something that we “should” do, and having a picture in your mind of what it should look like often keeps us from actually beginning a habit that will be of great benefit to our overall health. Sometimes, you get caught up in what you see other people doing and believe that is the way to work out, but exercise is for everyone.
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Now let me show you how to build an exercise routine that you’ll actually stick to!
How To Build A Healthy Exercise Routine That You'll Actually Stick To
Change Your Mindset
Instead of thinking of exercise as something that you have to do, think of it as something that you get today. Being able to work out and move your body is a privilege.
Exercise is not a way to make up for food you’ve eaten. Moving your body is an act of self-care that helps you improve your health. There is joy to be found in movement and looking for that is a great way to keep you motivated!
Start Slow Instead of Going All In
Exercise is something you build on. Sometimes you get zealous and try to start working out five days a week right away. Instead start 2 days and build up to 5 days, so that you won’t burn out.
When you try to do too much too quickly, it is easy to get overexerted and give up. Remember 2 days a week consistently is much more beneficial than 5 days a week every few months.
Add Your Workout Routine To Your Schedule
Building your routine into your regular schedule helps you to form a habit. When you know that Monday, Wednesday, and Friday you go to the gym or class at 9AM it is easier to stick to a routine.
Before long, you will have made it a habit.
Rest When You Need It
At the same time, there is no reason to push your body beyond its limits too soon. If you are feeling pain, get injured, or aren’t feeling well, make⁸ sure you rest even if you were scheduled to work out.
Also, you need to give your body recovery time, so make sure you have a rest day scheduled into your week.
Focus On Health Benefits Instead Of Aesthetic Goals
A lot of people start exercising as a way to lose weight or to “Tone up”, but exercise offers many benefits that have nothing to do with the way that our bodies look. Exercise can help you manage stress, sleep better, or help relieve some common ailments like low back and knee pain.
When you learn how to move your body in a way that makes you feel better and improves your body’s functions, you also learn how to enjoy exercise.
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Create Performance Goals
Under Armour believes in being better, stronger and more focused on goals. It is about the will to succeed and It is so exhilarating when you achieve a goal you set. That could mean running a faster mile, or lifting heavier weights, or finally learning how to do a pull up.
The satisfaction of continuously hitting milestones is the best motivator for sticking to your workout routine.
Find Something You Love Instead of Doing Something You Think You Should Do
Lifting weights 4 days a week is a great way to move your body - unless you absolutely hate it. It is hard to stick to a workout routine that you get no enjoyment from. Although weight lifting is something you can implement for the health benefits, you can lift 1-2 days a week and build a routine around something you love more.
Try a variety of exercises, like taking dance class, jumping rope, skating, biking, running yoga, zumba, etc.
Join A Local Or Online Fitness Class
I really wanted to learn how to do yoga, and I tried learning on my own by piecing together tips from Google and YouTube. Instead, I got discouraged quickly and did not make any progress.
Instead of trying to figure it out, I decided to join a local yoga studio so I could have someone there to correct my form and teach me terminology. I ended up making more progress in two weeks than I did in two years trying to teach myself.
Camaraderie plus knowledgeable teachers go a long way when it comes to motivation and improvement. Try joining a class that is something that teaches something you always wanted to learn.
Mix It Up!
I LOVE to build variety into my daily routine. I have yoga days, lifting days, cardio days and I always make sure to schedule my rest. Having multiple exercise you like to do will help keep it interesting so you don’t get bored of doing the same exercise over and over.
Now that you’ve learned how to build an exercise routine that you’ll actually stick to I would love to hear how you plan to implement these tips! Comment what exercise you are going to start below!
