We’ve all been there, joined the gym with all the good intentions in the world, only to pack it all in a month or two later when life gets too busy or motivation wanes. It is said it takes 21 days to form a habit, but once you’ve made the commitment to getting fit, how do you keep it up?
Building exercise into your lifestyle is a commitment that cannot be compromised on, otherwise there will always be a reason not to do it. Put your sessions in to your diary and turn up, even if it’s just you you’d be letting down.
Some find it helpful to track their activity with a fitness app or even a journal, this makes it easier to see progress and stay motivated.
Having a workout partner can make all the difference to motivation levels. Not only is a bit of friendly competition healthy for achieving results, working out with a friend means you won’t want to let them down and are more likely to show up.
Going with somebody also means you can socialise which automatically makes your workout more appealing.
Ensuring your workout plan is varied means you are less likely to get bored with your fitness routine. Having a range of activities such as cycling, running, yoga, lifting weights, swimming and running helps keep things from getting stale and also gives you no excuse to avoid an activity as there is something to do regardless of location or weather!
Build an exercise routine and set a consistent time for exercise each day. You might find it better to get up and out first thing in the morning and feel energised to start the day or you may prefer to workout later in the day to wind down after work. Either way find a time that suits you and stick to it!
Forming healthy habits is difficult and it is important to celebrate achievements. Rewards don’t have to be extravagant, but incentivising hard work helps to keep you motivated. Set a target and pick a reward for when you hit it!
Endorphins are a huge plus of exercise and however tired or unmotivated you feel, always try and remember how much better you feel afterwards! It may be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re not in the mood but you’ll soon feel better after some exercise. Keep this is mind next time you’re having a bad day and push through.
