So you started a new workout program, and you’ve made it through the first week. Will you keep going? For how long? These five tips can help you stick to – and complete – your new exercise program!
- Know your “why.” Why did you start this program? No, really. Why? Know your deep down reason for beginning to exercise, and whenever you think about quitting, remember the reason you started.
- Set goals, and plan rewards for when you achieve them. Maybe you want to be able to run a 5k. Depending on where you’re starting, you could have goals & rewards for running your first mile without stopping, covering the full distance for the first time, and running the 3.1 miles in under 40 minutes for the first time. Don’t forget a special reward for completing your first official race!
- Pick a workout you enjoy (or at least tolerate well). If you love the outdoors, go walk or run. If yoga makes you a happy person, then find a yoga class. If you hate the gym (or see it as a pool of germs like I do), then find a workout you can do at home (I can help you with that – contact me!). It’s important to get up and move, but how you move is up to you! Having a workout you enjoy makes it far more likely that you’ll continue doing it.
- Schedule your workouts on your calendar. We block off time for doctor’s appointments, tire rotations, and pedicures, and we rarely miss those appointments that we schedule. Block off time on your calendar for your workouts, and keep those appointments you’ve scheduled for yourself.
- Get a workout buddy. If you know your friend is waiting on you to arrive at the gym so you can workout together, you’ll be motivated to get there (on time, as scheduled in number 4 above). If you can’t find a friend, join a support group like the ones I host on Facebook. Having friends who are also trying to get in shape is a huge plus to your motivation!
No matter what, don’t be a quitter. You can do this! When you think about quitting, just do the workout anyway. Remember…
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