How to Stick to Your Exercise Program
By Sarah Dray
You probably don't need motivation to go golfing or shopping every time you get a chance, but sticking to an exercise routine may be a little harder. When it comes to perseverance, sometimes you need to make sure you work on a plan, rather than leaving it all to will.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Vary your workouts regularly. Boredom can cause you to abandon exercise. To avoid that, find a few different activities you enjoy and switch among them. If the weather is good, alternate between working out outside (running, swimming or biking are good options) and indoors at a gym. Take different aerobic classes every week.
Work out at the time of day when you have more energy. If you're a morning person, trying to work out in the evening is more likely to find you not able to start or complete your routine. That can eventually lead to frustration and discouragement.
Find a workout buddy. You can not only support each other through the routine itself, but also hold each other accountable, push together through plateaus and more. To find a workout buddy, use an online service like eXerciseFriends.com or ask coworkers and family members if they are interested in joining you.
Make it competitive. Train for a specific event, such as a half marathon. Or set a goal of going hiking in two months and then work to get fit for it. You can also buy pants a size smaller and then make it a challenge to get into them by a specific date. When you're working toward something, exercise becomes a tool, rather than an obligation.
Keep track of your progress. It's easier to forget what the benefits of exercise are. To keep yourself motivated, measure yourself every 4 to 6 weeks. Record your weight, body fat and measurements. Try running 5 minutes on the treadmill and see what speed you can achieve or how long it takes you to be out of breath. Seeing the positive changes in your body will motivate you to stick to your exercise routine.
Make it easy on yourself to exercise. Have a gym bag always ready to go, including your workout clothes, water bottle, towel and gym pass. If you can't find the time to exercise for 30 minutes a day, break your workout in short 10-minute bouts.
Tips & Warnings
To measure your body fat, consider buying a Tanita scale, which records both weight and body-fat percentage when you step on it. There are also hand-held devices used to measure body fat. Or you can stop by your local gym and pay to have it tested.
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
Photo Credits
Michal Zacharzewski
