How many times have you started a workout journey and dropped off before your destination? What made you drop off? If you plan your workouts the same way every time, you may be stuck in a pattern you haven’t noticed before and you’re likely to quit again. Break it by figuring out what went wrong by checking if your new workout plan puts the following factors under consideration:
- Set Realistic Goals
Start with a simple goal and then progress to a longer-range goal.
For example, if you are confined to home workouts get a skipping rope and start with 5min of skipping rope on day 1, and day 2 go to 10min and so on.
Give yourself realistic timelines e.g. set a couple of days’ goals before getting to weekly goals, monthly goals, and so on.
For example, you could start with a 7days skipping rope challenge. - Make it fun
Find a physical activity that you really enjoy. You could choose from activities such as dancing, yoga, kickboxing, spin cycle, Zumba, hiking, and so on.
Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be boring, and you’re more likely to stick with a fitness program if you’re having fun. - Make physical activity part of your daily routine
In the same way, you would schedule a meeting, schedule a part of your day for exercising so that you can stick to the goals you set.
Secondly, be on your feet as much as you can. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk to the shop/market instead of taking the car/mat. If you work from home, stretch, walk or climb your stairs on breaks. Or do squats, lunges, or situps. Walk your dog if you have one. - Put your goals on paper
Are you hoping to get fit? Lose weight? Sleep better? Manage your heart rate or blood pressure? Put that on paper!
Record your milestone and compare that with your goals that way you will be motivated to do more to get where you want to be. - Reward yourself
After a great milestone reward yourself for the achievement and that way, once you start the challenge into the next milestone, you will look forward to your next reward therefore you will stay motivated. - Find an Accountability Partner(s) Who Won’t Let You Off the Hook
Find friends with whom you share goals and keep each other accountable as you’re not on this journey alone. Share your personal goals with each other to make the journey more personal.
Personally, these have been the pointers I follow to stay committed to exercising. Challenge yourself today, give yourself a target, that for the next one month, I’m going to follow the above 6 steps and see what happens, you never know, it could be the start of a new lifestyle for you!
Have fun and good luck 🙂
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