How To Establish A Consistent Workout Routine

June 7, 2024

10 Tips That Help You Get Your Exercise

Starting a new workout routine can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure where to begin. However, with a well-planned approach and intentional effort, you can establish a consistent exercise habit that will have long-term benefits for your health and well-being.

Here we share ten constructive tips that can guide you through the process of creating and maintaining an effective exercise routine. These tips cover a range of topics, from setting achievable goals and creating a workout plan to finding motivation and overcoming obstacles. With these valuable insights, you'll be well-equipped to start your fitness journey with confidence and success.

Set Realistic Goals

When undertaking a new fitness routine, it's essential to establish achievable and realistic goals for yourself. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), setting targets is an effective way to stay motivated and focused on your fitness journey.

This might include aiming to walk a certain number of steps each day or completing a 30-minute workout. By setting these goals, you give yourself something to work towards and a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. Plus, it helps you track your progress and make adjustments as needed to continue improving your overall fitness level.

Start Small

Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends for those starting out with manageable activities. A 10-minute brisk walk or a short bodyweight workout is an excellent starting point for those new to exercise.

Find an Activity You Enjoy

It's important to participate in activities that you enjoy. Whether it's dancing, hiking, or cycling, selecting something you love increases the likelihood that you'll continue doing it. By considering exercise as more of a hobby than an obligation, you'll be more likely to stick with it. And it will have all sorts of ancillary benefits (e.g., improved mental health, control weight; reduce risk of heart disease, and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol).

Create a Schedule

It is advisable to plan your workouts in advance. A well-structured schedule can help you maintain consistency and make exercising a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Otherwise, you may end up making excuses and procrastinating, telling yourself that you will start tomorrow, and the next day, and so on.

Mix It Up

American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week and at least two days each week of muscle-strengthening activity.

This can be a tall task for many people to reach. To avoid monotony, try incorporating various activities (e.g., walking, biking, swimming, or hiking). This not only prevents boredom but also ensures a well-rounded fitness routine.

Find a Workout Buddy

We understand that working out alone can be difficult. Having a workout partner can increase accountability and make exercise more enjoyable, whether it's a friend, family member, or virtual buddy.

You can also add more variety to your workouts by incorporating different high aerobic games, friendly competitions, or partner workouts.

Invest in Comfortable Gear

To make the most out of your workout routine, it's important to invest in appropriate gear. Opt for comfortable shoes and clothing that are tailored to your chosen activities. This will not only enhance your performance but also make your exercise experience more enjoyable.

Use Positive Self Talk

Developing a consistent exercise routine can be challenging, but using reminders of positive self-talk can help make it more manageable. Whether you choose to utilize technology or good old-fashioned sticky notes, regular words of affirmation can help establish the habit of exercise and ultimately lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Track Your Progress

Keeping a log of your workouts is a great tip for achieving your fitness goals. When you track your progress, it gives you a sense of accomplishment which can motivate you to keep going. Whether you're working towards weight loss, building lean muscle mass, or improving your cardiovascular endurance for an upcoming 5K, tracking your progress can be a fantastic way to stay motivated and on track.

Celebrate Achievements

It's important to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your fitness achievements. Whether you've pushed yourself to complete a strenuous workout or reached a personal goal, recognizing your efforts can be a powerful motivator.

By reflecting on how far you've come and the work you've put in, you can build confidence and momentum to keep pushing forward on your fitness journey. So, be sure to give yourself credit for your hard work and celebrate your progress along the way!

Conclusion

By following these ten tips, you are not only starting an exercise routine but also creating a sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle. Consistency is key, and every small effort you make contributes to your overall well-being. So get moving, stay motivated, and enjoy the benefits of a healthier and more active life.

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If you like this content, check out my substack newsletter about what losing weight and the reality TV show The Biggest Loser have in common at: https://open.substack.com/pub/theunreliablemind/p/fitness-friday-three-lessons-from?r=3g6e66&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true 

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