10 Ways To Stick With Exercising
December 19, 2016Studies repeatedly show that most regular exercisers (including me) are not as concerned with the powerful pecs and awesome abs as we are with feeling good and being healthy. Just like the habit of eating protein first, you can make exercise a habit too. It is important to develop the habit of exercising so that it is a part of your routine.
So, the question is, how do people that regularly exercise make it a habit? Check out the ways below so you can stick to your exercise routine.
10 Habits of Regular Exercisers
ACTIVITIES THEY ENJOY
They do a variety of activities they enjoy such as cardio machines, personal training with an energetic coach/trainer. Cardio classes such as Zumba, Cycle or Rowing Classes, TRX, strength training, and others. Check out some of the gyms or classes in your area.
EXERCISE WITH FRIENDS
Make a commitment to walk with a friend, or take cardio classes together!
SCHEDULE THE TIME
Schedule and commit to your days and times to exercise, and stick to them just as you would with any important appointment.
EXERCISE ON YOUR WAY HOME
Regular exercisers hardly go home after work to change. Instead, they pack their workout clothes and shoes and have their gym bag ready to go.
TIRED BUT DO IT ANYWAY
This is probably the number one reason people don’t stick to their exercise program. Believe me, I get tired a lot after a long day at work. When I change to my workout clothes and get started – I get a new burst of energy and I feel so much better afterward.
TRACK IT
Regular exercisers track their activity! To stay motivated, they log their exercise activity for the day. For example, plan to do cardio 3 to 5 hours a week, but be specific such as "I will walk/run 1 or 2 miles on Monday at 6:30 am."
CHANGE YOUR FOCUS
Don’t think about weight loss so much. We love the short-term benefits of exercise and focus on that. Feeling good when it’s over is what we look forward to. Likely, when you stop thinking about how your workouts are affecting your weight, you'll start to see the pounds melt away.
MONITOR GADGETS
You can be motivated by gadgets such as the Fitbit, Polar and or heart rate monitors, pedometers - and understand the scientific study with those measurements and what they mean.
SET GOALS
Set weekly goals for the exercise you do and reward yourself for reaching them. An example of a reward after exercise can be stopping by a favorite coffee shop.
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC
Good music is a huge motivator. They exercise longer and more vigorously to music. Almost the majority of regular exercisers compile a playlist of their favorite music – they can be seen at the gym with their earbuds.
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sue Arevalo currently loves teaching group exercise classes at her own fitness business – PurSue Fitness, LLC. She has always had a vast interest in fitness, human movement, and healthy living. She is licensed in Nutrition with Exercise and Nutrition Works. Sue has been the Clinic Director for Sports Conditioning and Rehab – a physical therapy clinic located in Orange, California. |
