If you struggle to create a healthy habit, read on to find out how to create and maintain an exercise regime.
Exercise is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. There’s nothing as uplifting as a brisk walk on a beautiful day, preferable somewhere near the beach, river or lake is my personal preference.
Developing an exercise routine may seem daunting, but it’s essential to find a routine that works for you and your lifestyle, set yourself up with realistic targets. In this article, we will discuss how to create an exercise routine that works for you and how to stick with it.
1. Assess Your Goals and Fitness Level
The first step in creating an exercise routine that works for you is to assess your fitness level and set your goals, be realistic here, don’t think you can come out of 6 months of lethargy and to climbing a mountain on day 1! Consider factors such as your current level of fitness, any physical limitations or injuries, and the amount of time you can commit to exercise.
Also, consider your goals for exercise. Do you want to improve your strength, endurance, flexibility or lose weight? Setting specific and realistic goals can help you stay motivated and track progress.
2. Choose Exercises You Enjoy
Exercising shouldn’t be a chore. Choose exercises that you enjoy and that fit your fitness level and goals. If you hate running, but you love dancing or yoga, incorporate those into your routine instead.
Experiment with different exercises until you find what works for you, and mix it up to avoid boredom. Incorporate different types of exercises such as strength training, cardio, and stretching to improve overall fitness and prevent injuries. The key is finding something that you won’t hate to do or find boring too quickly.
3. Schedule Your Workouts
Scheduling is essential to develop and stick with an exercise routine. Determine how many days a week you can commit to exercise and schedule time for it in your calendar or planner. A great idea is to block out this time in your work or personal calendar too.
It’s also important to choose a time of day that works for you. Some people prefer to exercise in the morning while others prefer to exercise in the evening. Choose a time that fits your schedule, commitments and preferences.
4. Make it Convenient
Make exercise convenient and accessible by choosing a gym or fitness studio close to your home or workplace. Alternatively, invest in home exercise equipment such as a yoga mat, resistance bands, or free weights to create a home gym.
It’s also important to have comfortable workout clothes and shoes that fit properly to prevent injuries and optimize performance.
5. Start Slow and Progress Gradually
Starting slow and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts is essential to avoid injury and burnout. Start with short workouts such as a 10-minute walk, and progressively increase the time and intensity of your workouts. You’ll be encouraged by these small improvements, celebrate the little wins!
Be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process. It’s essential to listen to your body, take breaks when needed, and give yourself credit for progress.
6. Find a Workout Buddy
Having a workout buddy can provide motivation, accountability, and fun to your exercise routine. Consider inviting a friend, family member, or co-worker to join you for workouts.
Alternatively, join a fitness class or group to meet like-minded people and make new friends. It can be more enjoyable to exercise with others and can increase your commitment to exercise. You might also be someone who enjoys their exercise routines solo. And there’s nothing wrong with that, I much prefer doing my own thing, getting out and being one with nature around me, its bliss.
7. Track Your Progress
Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and celebrate your achievements. Keep track of your workouts, including the time, duration, and activity and also take notice of how you are improving. Go you!
Consider using a fitness app or a fitness tracker, such as a Fitbit, to monitor your progress over time, including steps taken, calories burned, and heart rate. Tracking your progress can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue your fitness journey.
You can source a Fit Bit on Amazon for a reasonable price and the data and info is super helpful to keeping track of your goals and fitness journey.
8. Be Flexible
Life happens, and sometimes it’s challenging to stick to the scheduled exercise routine. It’s important to be flexible and adapt your workouts to fit your schedule and needs.
If a scheduled workout needs to be postponed or interrupted, find ways to incorporate movement throughout your day, such as going for a walk during lunch or a short walk before dinner.
9. Celebrate Your Achievements
Finally, celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s completing a new exercise or reaching a fitness goal, celebrate your progress and give yourself credit for your accomplishments.
Celebrate your achievements with healthy rewards such as a massage, a new workout top, or trying a new healthy recipe. Celebrating your achievements can help you stay motivated and increase your commitment to a regular exercise routine.
Developing an exercise routine that works for you involves assessing your fitness level and goals, choosing exercises you enjoy, scheduling your workouts, making it convenient, starting slow and progressing gradually, working out if you like company or solo workouts, tracking your progress, being flexible and celebrating your achievements.
Remember that developing an exercise routine is a personal journey, and it’s essential to find what works best for you and your lifestyle. With patience, commitment, and perseverance, you can create an exercise routine that benefits your overall physical and mental health.