Although you have the best intentions of starting an exercise program, you eventually realize how much of a commitment it is. It isn’t as glamorous as it seems online, and it takes a constant effort to commit to your ideal fitness routine. If you’re constantly stopping and restarting, here are seven ways to commit to fitness.
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Find Something You Like
For some people like me, most forms of exercise are enjoyable, but some people hate the idea of exercise. No one said all fitness had to be the same exercise type. To stay committed to a fitness routine should energize you and keep you coming back. It can be as simple as taking a 10-minute walk daily during lunchtime. Find something you love to do that makes it easy to commit to fitness.
Mix Up Your Routine
Once you find something you like to do, mix up your routine. Doing the same workout every day can get boring quickly. Mix up your routine by trying new exercises, classes, or workouts to keep things fresh and challenging.
Be Prepared
When you are prepared for your workout, you will most likely attend it. Layout your clothes the night before and prepare your accessories for the next workout. Then, you will have no excuse not to go. Schedule your workouts into your daily routine, just like you would with any other appointment. Making fitness a priority will help you commit to fitness.
Use the Snowball Approach
The goal for staying committed to fitness is consistency. It’s easier to commit to your goals if you ease into them. I always tell people to do one thing consistently until it becomes a habit, then add on. For example, if you want to attend the gym every morning before work, pick one day you know you can make it to the gym. When that becomes a habit, add another day until you are up to at least four days of consistent exercise. Each time you can add another day, it’s a small victory to boost your confidence.
Be Patient
Patience is vital when it comes to committing to fitness. You will not become super fit overnight, and your first maybe 10-20 sessions of exercise will be hard. Depending on your fitness level and experience, catching on might take you longer than others.
One study examined inactive women and placed them in a high-intensity workout program. They saw an 8% improvement in their fitness within six months. Don’t let this discourage you. Your body will eventually adapt to the new stress and feel more manageable for you.
Find a Support System
Find people who will support your fitness goals. Sticking to fitness is easier when you have like-minded people cheering you on. Sometimes it helps to find someone at the same level that can hold you accountable and motivate you. Just telling someone your intentions leaves you with the responsibility to execute them.
Friendship accountability helps you stay on track. This idea is proven in a study where participants completed a weight loss program with friends. The participants were 95% successful in losing weight and 66% successful in maintaining their weight loss because of the social support of friends.
Even posting your progress on social media or a social media group will help you stay accountable. When you check in with those who hold you accountable, it will motivate you to stay consistent. Whichever enables you to accomplish your goals, please do it.
Dress The Part
Studies show that new gym clothes increase your motivation to attend your workout and improve performance during the workout. Have you ever gotten a new outfit and could not wait to wear it out? The same is valid for fitness. A survey conducted by barbell apparel of 2,000 gym-goers found that putting on gym clothes motivated them to attend their workout.
Get a new outfit to help you feel confident in your workout routine and look the part. It is okay to fake it until you make it!
Find a Time That Works For You
Find a workout time that works best for your schedule. I am a morning person, so I love working out at 5 or 6 am. It helps set the tone for the day, and I feel more productive. Even research supports that working out in the morning sets you up for better habits. However, it’s harder for me to attend a workout that is at nighttime, and I will be more likely to cancel! Everyone is different. Pick a workout time that energizes you the most and guarantees commitment.
Be Easy On Yourself
Overall, fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying committed takes constant effort, and you may have to restart more than once. However, when you find something that sticks, run with it. Do whatever feels best for you to commit to fitness.
