Working out might be the last thing on your mind today, especially if you’re feeling sore from yesterday’s session or exhausted from a long day at work. But if you want to stay healthy and in shape, you have to make sure you regularly exercise your body. Getting into good habits around working out can seem like an impossible feat at first, but with the right mindset and motivation, you can be on your way to living the healthy lifestyle you deserve in no time! Here are 9 tips to help you start working out and stick to it!
1) Learn what your motivation is
It’s easy to get caught up in daily life even your muscles blaze workout routine can feel like just another task on a never-ending list. Before you know it, it’s been a month (or two) since you started going to that gym class or playing tennis with friends, but what was once something you genuinely looked forward to has become yet another thing you put off until later.
Find out what motivates you by keeping track of your workouts for a few weeks and writing down your goals this will help keep things fun, interesting, or even competitive if that’s what works for you. If nothing else, having accountability will keep those skipping-workout excuses at bay!
2) Get rid of distractions
A lot of people work out in their basement, or even just around their home office. This is a great idea since it means you don’t have to get all suited up in workout clothes or head out into public with messy hair. It can also make it harder for you to stick with your exercise plan when you’re close to something else that could keep you busy (like Netflix or email).
If possible, schedule some time during your day when you can work out alone, or away from other activities. Another option is choosing an activity that doesn’t require much concentration—riding a stationary bike while catching up on podcasts will still allow you time to listen, but might be easier than sitting down at your computer while also trying not to fall off a treadmill.
3) Discover your exercise type
Exercise is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your personality type, exercise can help you channel stress, relieve boredom or alleviate anxiety. Whatever your needs are in terms of physical activity, there’s a way to fit it into the life that works for you and fits into your schedule. If you’re unsure what kind of exercise would work best for you, consider taking an online quiz that helps match people with their perfect form of workout. (And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to try something new.)
4) Schedule time every day, even if it’s only 20 minutes
You don’t have to dedicate hours each day to working out; just schedule it into your daily routine. If you wake up at 7 a.m., try waking up 20 minutes earlier, go for a short walk or jog, then get ready for work or school. This will help you stick with your workout plan and make sure that exercise is a daily priority. By making it an ingrained habit, you’ll be more likely to continue going even when you’re busy or tired.
5) Take a quick peek at your goals
You’re more likely to stick with working out if you have some clear, motivating goals. In a recent study, participants who took part in a weight-loss program were more successful when they knew why they were participating in it in other words, their goal involved personal, meaningful change. If you’re just starting out or trying to get back into working out, ask yourself what your purpose is. Is it building strength? Building endurance? Or maybe fitting into an old pair of jeans? Wanting something for vanity’s sake may not be as motivational as being able to do things you couldn’t before or being fit enough to run around with your kids on summer vacation. Be sure that whatever goal you set has real meaning for you and then find tools that will help you meet it.
6) Rely on accountability
Accountability is powerful when it comes to achieving goals. Sure, you’ll get lots of encouragement from friends and family members, but nothing beats having a partner who can rely on each other for motivation. Joining a gym with your significant other or even a friend will do wonders for both parties (and yes, gyms are still quite affordable these days). Not only will you make a physical transformation but also boost your relationship in unexpected ways. Who knows? Maybe it’ll end up being more than just a one-time workout session!
7) Just start!
It’s hard to get motivated when you start a new routine or want to try something new—it’s not always easy, especially if you haven’t worked out in a while. But do yourself a favor: Don’t think about it too much. Just go for it! For example, if you haven’t worked out in a while, just focus on warming up by walking around your neighborhood. Or if you are trying something brand new, focus on learning one exercise at a time. When you force yourself to just show up and do it, staying consistent gets easier every time!
8) Enjoy the endorphin high
First of all, working out is not fun. It is hard. And it will often make you feel like throwing up. But just because something is uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing; in fact, if you really want to get into shape, there are a few strategies that can help make physical activity more bearable. For example, set mini-goals for yourself so that you have smaller benchmarks along your journey—and stop looking at exercise as punishment but as a reward.
9) Set realistic goals
When trying to stay consistent with your workouts, it’s important that you set realistic goals for yourself. If you’re starting out or haven’t worked out in a while, set a goal like I want to run every day for 30 minutes! may not be realistic (or even physically possible) for you. Instead, aim for small but noticeable improvements. The next time you work out, shoot for running one more minute on your treadmill workout or taking two more laps around your neighborhood track, and reward yourself when you achieve them. This type of goal-setting makes Musclesblaze fitness feel attainable and keeps it part of your daily routine.
