How to Make Working Out a Habit
Starting an exercise habit is tough! Many people start out with great intentions – but the initial motivation fades. So it’s important to create a routine that you can stick to even when you’re feeling unmotivated.
Starting is hard. But starting over again and again is even harder. Use the below tips to make working out a part of your lifestyle!
Create a Schedule
The hardest part of your workout is STARTING! Whether you’re planning to hit the gym, heading to a yoga class, or taking a class online, getting there is the hardest part. Plan how many days you’ll be working out, what you’ll be doing, and what time you’re going to work out in advance.
Schedule your workouts in your calendar, write them out in your planner, set reminders in your phone — whatever it takes. Don’t schedule anything else at this time: this is YOUR time.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Many people prefer morning workouts because it’s easier to get it over with first thing in the morning before you start answering emails, getting your kids ready for school, and before your daily work begins. If you’re a morning workout person, set yourself up for success by going to bed early enough. Another way to set yourself up for success is to get your workout gear ready the night before. Set aside your outfit, your headphones, prepare your preworkout, anything else you’ll need to do in the morning. If you’re able to set your phone to Do Not Disturb until you’ve finished your workout to keep you on task, do so.
If you’re not a morning workout person but you know you’d like to hit the gym right after work, pack a gym bag the night before so you’re not rushing to get your things together in the morning. Set reminders for yourself so you’ll leave work on time.
Another way to set yourself up for success is by meal prepping so you’re not distracted by planning what to eat for breakfast or dinner while you should be working out.
Set Realistic Goals for Yourself
One mistake people often make when they’re starting a fitness journey is setting unattainable goals. If you’re starting from zero — no workouts at all — it doesn’t make sense to plan to hit the gym 6 days a week for an hour a day. Instead, plan for three workouts with maybe half hour ones to begin.
Not setting goals for yourself — or unclear goals — is also a mistake. When you know you want to lose X number of inches around your waist in X number of months and you track your progress, you’re more likely to stay motivated. Keep a fitness journal with your measurements, a food diary if you’d like, and check off workouts from your to-do list. You’ll feel accomplished as you hit your smaller goals. Seeing progress is a huge motivator.
If you’re tired of starting over, don’t give up on yourself! You. Are. Worth. It. And even on the days you feel tired, or unmotivated, or feel like giving up, dig deep and remember why you started this journey in the first place! You CAN do this!
Adriana Lee
This is fantastic! A great resource for the to dos to stay healthy.
Great article! This could also be applied to any goal in general. The activities I start with a clear defined goal are always more effecitive and gratifying!
Thank you for these awesome tips! Doing my food prep on Sundays really helps keep me on track. Using the health app on my phone to track my daily exercise … it really helps!!
What fantastic tips to help me in my weight journey!!