How to Make Your Exercise Routine a Habit
By Kate Evelyn
Exercise has many benefits, even if you only do it once in a while. However, to achieve longstanding results, you need to make it a regular part of your lifestyle. Instead of thinking of exercise as something you'll do when you get around to it, make your routine a habit. This means you're committed to doing it a specific number of times per week over the long haul. Once you start doing it this way, your routine will become part of your routine, so to speak.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Pick exercises that you like doing so that you will look forward to your workouts. If you hate running, try boxing, skating, jumping rope or any other of a number of cardio choices available to you. If you don't like lifting weights, try doing resistance exercises instead, such as push-ups.
Get an accountability partner. Have this person either commit to working out with you or commit to asking you each day if you got your workout in. Sometimes it is easy to push back your own nagging feelings when you push exercise to the wayside. It is harder to do so if another person is involved.
Schedule a certain time of day for your workouts, whether it's early in the morning, on lunch break or after work. Write it down on your calendar. Treat it just like any other appointment that you have to attend.
Allow for rest days. A lot of people stop working out because they get injured or too exhausted to continue. If you're just starting to exercise, you need to allow for at least two rest days a week to let your body recover.
Put variety into your workouts. Another reason people tend to quit exercising is because they get bored. Check out the list of exercises in the resources section. When you get tired of doing one thing, switch to something else.
Set goals to work toward, such as losing a certain number of pounds, developing a certain level of endurance or being able to lift a certain amount of weight. Write down these goals and work toward them. When you reach one, or even when you get halfway to one, reward yourself.
Tips & Warnings
Buy workout clothes that are comfortable and make you feel good wearing them. This can give you a little confidence boost that will keep you going.
Listen to music you love while you exercise.
Note how getting into the exercise habit helps you on the golf course. As you get fitter, you will most likely see an improvement in performance.
Buy workout clothes that are comfortable and make you feel good wearing them. This can give you a little confidence boost that will keep you going.
Listen to music you love while you exercise.
Note how getting into the exercise habit helps you on the golf course. As you get fitter, you will most likely see an improvement in performance.
About The Author
Based in Washington, D.C., Kate Evelyn has been writing professionally since 2000. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including "Elle" magazine, "Brass|CU" magazine and the "Credit Union Times." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Western Maryland College.
