Deciding to add exercise to your daily schedule seems like a good idea at first. We all know that exercise is important to staying healthy and can help with weight management. However, you may find that deciding to develop a workout routine can pose a problem. Where do you even begin on this journey? How do you keep consistent?
I’ve run into these same issues before. Developing a consistent routine I’ll actually stick to has been difficult, and I’ve had a few false starts. Too many times I’ve committed to working out, only to fizzle out a week or two later. If this sounds like you, too, these six tips can help you begin to workout, incorporate exercise into your lifestyle, and lead a healthier life.
1. Get in the Mindset
Getting healthy is a choice first, then a commitment. With that in mind, when you choose to add fitness to your lifestyle, you have to get in the right frame of mind. Make up your mind that this is something you want to do and commit to your plan.
2. Go in With a Plan
If you know the specifics of your workout routine, you’re that much more likely to stick to it. First, figure out how many days you want to select for exercise. According to Healthline, you should strive to work out two or three days a week as a start. As you become more comfortable, you can move to work out five days a week.
Your schedule will determine what times you exercise. Busy in the mornings? Working out in the evenings might be best for you. Free every day at 3:00 p.m.? Dedicate that time to exercise. Having a carved out time that is solely meant for exercising makes you more inclined not to skip your workout session.
Also, when you develop a workout routine, don’t forget to decide how long you’ll exercise each time. The Mayo Clinic recommends working out 30 minutes each day in general, but consider increasing that time if you’re looking to lose weight.
3. Reward Yourself
Sure, the real reward is how healthy you will become and the weight you might lose. However, it often takes time to see the results of those improved habits (more on that later).
At the end of a successful workout, make sure to reward yourself. Catch up on your favorite TV show, have an afternoon of self-care, or treat yourself to new workout gear. Small treats will ensure you come back to work out harder next time and will have you looking forward to another reward.
4. Start Small, Then Build Up
Above, I mentioned that weight loss might take time. One aspect you need to keep in mind is patience.
Through working out, you won’t, unfortunately, get an athletic physique or ripped abs overnight. Many of your fitness goals may not be accomplished in a month or two, or even in the first year. Rest assured, though, that your body is undergoing a change, even if you can’t see it.
For a while, I was working out consistently every night. I stopped after a few months, but once I started back, I noticed how I could no longer do the exercises I used to without feeling out of breath. Though my body hadn’t gone through any changes on the outside, I had gained more strength and endurance that I ended up losing.
The main takeaway here? Be patient and know that your body is changing.
5. Enlist the Help of Others
For some people, working out with others helps to motivate and inspire them. If that’s you, enlist the help of your friends or family who will exercise with you.
You can also join an exercise group that will encourage you to return, push yourself, and maximize your exercise strategies!
6. Have Fun!
The most important thing to do as you begin to work out is to make sure it’s fun. After all, who wants to do something every week that they actually don’t enjoy?
There are plenty of fun exercises you can do. Try rollerblading, going for a hike, rock climbing, HIIT workouts, or a bike ride. You could also dance to Zumba, jump rope, or take your workout outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Learning to develop a workout routine doesn’t have to be difficult—if you have a plan. Once you start, you’re on the road to a healthier lifestyle.
How have you made exercise part of your daily routine? Let us know in the comments!
