Let’s be honest, we all know the feeling when you’ve been trying to stick to a workout routine, and it seems to be going well at first. Then life gets in the way and somehow it ends up being months since you’ve really gotten your heart rate up. It’s hard to make working out a habit because it requires time, consistent dedication, motivation, and a lot of energy that we don’t always have. The good thing is, there are little things you can do every single day in order to make working out a habit in your daily life.
Tips on making working out a habit:
Don’t think, just go
If you’re working out in the morning or really any time of day, don’t let yourself think about it too in-depth. Just head out the door as soon as you can, because even if it takes you a little longer to get into the mood for a workout, at least you’ve accomplished the hardest part and that’s getting yourself there.
Write working out into your to-do list
Do you know how it feels really good when you cross something off your to-do list? Well it feels even better when you cross working out off your to-do list. When you are making working out a daily habit, it’s important that it takes just as much importance on your to-do list as laundry or a run to the grocery store. Make sure to incorporate time for physical activity, working out, or even just taking a walk into your schedule.
Set a reminder
Life can get hectic at times, so make sure to set yourself a reminder to workout every day. If you set an alarm an hour before you’re going to work out, your mind will start mentally preparing itself and it will motivate you to get yourself there, on time. Set another one when it’s time to start.
Take a live online class
There are many trainers doing free or paid online zoom group classes. This is something that will keep you committed to a time and a day, because once the class is done, it’s gone forever. It feels like you are in a real class, so there’s just something about it that makes it so much more motivating!
Remember to start small!
This is where most people go wrong, there is no need to start working out like you’re training for a marathon. Start small! Maybe start walking every day and taking a couple of online beginner classes. It’s important not to overexert yourself not only for your physical health, but your mental health as well. You don’t want to burn yourself out – you want to build a long-lasting habit.
Make it fun
We know…how can you make working out fun? There’s nothing fun about sweating, hyperventilating, and the burning sensations running through your thighs as you do your second set of wall sits. But you can make it fun! Play loud music, have a warm-up dance session, meditate afterward! Do whatever you need to do to make working out a good experience for yourself.
Don’t skip a day, but do schedule a rest day
Don’t give yourself the excuse that you can miss today because you can make it up later in the week. Sometimes it works, but most of the time it just starts a bad habit where you continuously make excuses for when you don’t feel as motivated. That doesn’t mean you need to work out every day and deprive yourself of rest days, it just means if you plan to work out don’t miss it.
Find a workout buddy
Find a friend or workout buddy who has similar fitness goals to you and schedule workouts together. There is no better way than building a workout habit than having someone that can hold you accountable. Since not everyone can have a personal trainer, having a workout buddy is the next best thing. Especially if you guys really push each other to be better!
Change it up
Make sure to change up your workout routine every once in a while so you don’t get bored! There are so many different ways that you can get active and sweaty. There’s hiking, running, dancing, Zumba, pilates, yoga, hit training, weight training and so many more! Switch it up and find what works for you!
Walk it out
When you’re feeling unmotivated or just want some extra movement in your day, walk it out! If you work all day, more than likely you aren’t getting enough daily motion and it’s important to get those steps in!