Beyond a shadow of a doubt, exercising is vital at any age. We all want to exercise consistently, but it’s easier said than done.
Whether you’re studying for your degree, working a full-time job, or being a new parent, many things can get in the way. Then before you know it, you’ve abandoned your fitness plan.
However, just because it’s hard to get started and maintain a workout routine, doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
Have you been trying to create a lasting exercise regimen, but you can’t seem to get things rolling for some reason?
Well, we have a few tips to help you stop thinking about it and create a comfortable workout routine today.
1. Get Down To It!
You can plan a million things in your head but as long as you keep telling yourself “I will,” your progress is going to stall.
The best way to start exercising is to start exercising. And unless you have lots of spare time in your day, things will come up, and you’ll have a hard time making everything perfect.
Remember, the more you complicate things, the harder it becomes to get started.
So forget about a perfect routine and just get down to it. You can make changes to your calendar and fitness goals as you go.
2. Start Small
Fitness is a journey. You go too fast too soon, and it gets overwhelming. Not to mention the associated health risks.
Regardless of where you are with your exercises, maintaining a simple routine should be your priority.
You may want to begin with simple exercises that won’t be a challenge to maintain. Once you get into the habit, then you can scale things up. It’s probably not a good idea to head straight into a CrossFit box out of nowhere.
3. Involve A Trainer
You don’t always need someone’s help to start working out, even if you’re a beginner.
However, there’s a reason why fitness coaches are much sought after. As someone looking to get into a comfortable and productive routine, a trainer could be exactly what you need.
Trainers come with lots of knowledge and experience. They’ve worked with all kinds of people at different stages of their fitness journey. If anyone can instantly spot something wrong with your form, it’s these experts.
The fact is, hiring a fitness coach may very well save you years of unproductive grinding at the gym.
For a beginner, the rules of healthy and safe workouts may come as a surprise. After all, not every exercise is good for you, depending on your level.
A trainer will use their judgment to study your form and develop personalized exercises that suit your circumstances.
You’re also unlikely to slack off when you involve a trainer. They tend to be super determined to help you stay motivated on your journey.
4. Be Spontaneous
It’s human nature to say you’ll do something and then hardly ever get around to doing it. If exercising is one of those things you tend to put off a lot, then it’s time to be spontaneous.
If you notice that you always slack off and break your routines, it’s time to scrap that approach because it’s not working.
Now, try working out every time you remember, even if all you have to spare is five minutes. Those five-minute movements may very well turn into a habit, and from there, it’ll be easier to come up with a lasting regimen.
5. Get Comfortable
We tend to thrive in a comfortable environment; working out is no exception. Your comfort level can make your experience fulfilling, but it can also make it stressful.
So, before you start, make sure you’re in an environment that vibes with you. If you’re working out at home, a mat in the living room may not be enough. Try putting together a dedicated space away from anything that interferes with your sessions.
While it’s nice to improvise, having the right gear for exercising is good for you. It adds a touch of serious commitment to your workouts.
You may start by simply getting the right pair of athletic shoes.
6. Use Fun Activities
Let’s face it, the thought of exercising can feel daunting sometimes. There’s this pressure to stick to the plan, and if things don’t go as expected, the motivation starts to subside.
Here’s something you may not have thought about:
You spent your childhood and teens exercising without meaning to.
Remember the endless fun activities and sports?
Those activities that were pretty physical, like:
- Dancing
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Running games (e.g., tag, kick the can, red light green light),
- Catch
Now, if working out isn’t fun enough to stick, turn it into a fun activity.
7. Find A Workout Buddy
A big part of a routine is motivation. It’s what makes the whole thing last.
Notice how it’s easy and exciting to do something the first few times, only for interest to wane soon after?
That happens when you’re not as motivated as before.
If you’re wondering how you can stay motivated, a good strategy would be to train with a friend or family member. The benefit of companionship is helping each other stay on track.
You can make it a point to remind each other of your goals and what it takes to achieve them.
Conclusion
Starting a workout routine can be challenging. It doesn’t necessarily have to be easy; it’s about pushing your body to achieve a more healthy wellbeing and mindset.
However, what exercising shouldn’t be is stressful. It shouldn’t be a chore but rather a helpful habit.
If you’re not sure what to do or if you’re having a hard time maintaining a workout routine, talk to a certified fitness instructor for better guidance.
Author Bio
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Parkway Plaza to help them with their online marketing.
