10 Tips to Help You Stay Committed to Your Workout Routine

20 Mar 10 Tips to Help You Stay Committed to Your Workout Routine

1. Think like an athlete

Think about it, athletes train just about every day, athletes take care of their bodies (both nutritionally and physically), athletes strive to be the best they can be and athletes have goals. I think you can see where I am going with this one…

2. Seek motivation and inspiration from everyone and everything possible

I am talking about the fit moms you see at the grocery store to the brave men and women you see running through blizzards. From Instagram to Facebook to Twitter. From Tiger Woods to Tom Brady to Serena Williams to Kara Goucher. Basically, find something or someone that inspires you to be better and hold onto that. Whatever it takes to keep you committed to working toward a better you.

3. Set a goal for yourself

Sign up for your first 5K or Tough Mudder. If organized races or events aren’t really your cup of tea, that’s fine. Maybe make your goal to lose a couple of pounds by a certain date, or to fit into that pair of jeans you have been coveting for so long at the bottom of your dresser drawer. Whatever your goal may be, write it down. Commit to it.

4. Make it a routine, AKA make time to workout

We all have busy schedules and busy lives, I get it. But ultimately your health and happiness is important. Treat it as such. Carve out time from your busy schedule to workout. Plan ahead, mark it on the calendar, put it in your I-phone. Book a class now. Whatever works for you, just do it. Your future self will thank you.

5. Change it up

Working out does not have to be something you dread or find boring. It should be something you look forward to doing. It should be something you can enjoy. Choose something you enjoy that challenges you! Take a variety of classes. If you continually do workouts that you enjoy and you continue to shake things up, then you will look forward to those workouts, you won’t get bored and you will continue to go back for more. You might even get addicted! Plus, keeping your workouts varied can help you work different areas of the body or different muscle groups, helping you become more fit overall!

6. Find support from others

Join a running or biking group, plan a workout with a friend, take a new class with your sister or brother — you wouldn’t want to let them down, right? If bringing a friend to a workout or joining a group isn’t your thing, then join a supportive group online or via social media. Finding support from others will keep you accountable, motivated and honest with yourself.

7. Treat yourself

No, I am not talking about a sundae with sprinkles and a cherry on top and I am definitely not talking about a cheeseburger and french fries. I am talking about treating yourself to a new wardrobe or that pair of running shoes you have been eyeing for the past few months. It may sound silly but when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good you have more confidence. Having a nice new pair of running shoes or that swanky tank top just might be the ticket to pushing you to sign up for that next class.

8. Something is much better than nothing

If you didn’t make it to the gym today or you didn’t get that 3 mile run in, that’s alright. Things happen. More like, life happens. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t be active. Sometimes less can be more when it comes to working out. Even a short workout is better than nothing. Take the dog for a walk around the block, play tag with the kids or rake some leaves. Get back on track tomorrow.

9. Find a location that suits you

If you find yourself driving an hour to get to your workout destination, chances are you’re not going to stick with it. Who wants to drive an hour to work out? Not me. Find a location that is close and convenient so you can easily fit working out into your busy schedule without driving to Nebraska.

10. Don’t throw the towel in because a class is challenging

Depending on your fitness level, your first, second, third or even fourth class could be challenging. Don’t get down on yourself because you couldn’t get that last set of pushups in or because you couldn’t run as fast as the other people in the class on the treadmill. It’s okay, really. Everyone is at different fitness levels. Stop comparing yourself to the woman who barely breaks a sweat or the guy who does pushups like he does them in his sleep. Focus on you, your goals and getting better. Losing weight, getting fit and being healthier overall takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight so, DO NOT get discouraged. Keep at it and stay positive. The only way you can go from here is up!