Have you ever decided to exercise regularly and quickly your plans went straight out the window? Are you dreading going up in sizes?
Yet everyday you meet people who somehow do it. They almost effortlessly get on with their morning run after dropping off the kids, fit in a quick workout at lunchtime or rush to the gym straight after work. They seem strong, happy and energetic – how do they do it?
With a little planning you too can start your new exercise routine and actually stick to it.
Inspired to get moving with a new fitness plan? Follow these simple stick-to strategies to make it really work this time!
SET UP A REALISTIC GOAL
It is easier to stay on track with a clear goal in mind. Choose it wisely: drop in a dress size or completing a 5k run by the end of the summer is realistic and will motivate you to follow your training plan. But if you hope to shed off a stone within a month, you are likely to end up disappointed.
Tip #1:
Think about what is achievable for you. Write it down and stick it somewhere visible for an extra motivational kick!
Tip #2:
Plan long term. Four pound loss a month might not sound big, but by mid summer you will be over a stone lighter!
Tip #3:
Break your goal into manageable milestones and put them in a timeframe. A milestone might be, for example, to complete two full-body resistance training sessions and a yoga class within a week. The more milestones you hit, the more motivated you’ll be!
Set up a realistic goal
ENSURE PLENTY OF SUPPORT
You are much more likely to stick to your exercise plan if people around you support and encourage you. You might even find that they will want to join in!
Tip #1:
Ask your family and friends to help you stick to your plan. You’ll be surprised how helpful they might be. My husband, for example, regularly pushes me out of the house to go for a run (although I’m suspicious it might be more down to the fact that I get very grumpy without exercise!)
Tip #2:
Find a workout buddy and sign up for fitness sessions together. There will be days when your motivation dwindles and a quick exercise reminder from your buddy will put you back on track.
GET ON WITH IT!
Decide what exercise you’d like to do. There is little point in running on a treadmill if you find it downright boring. Choose activities that make you feel more energetic and less stressed – and get on with them!
Tip #1:
Start small. Aim for 30 minutes exercise, five times a week. This is perfectly enough to kickstart your new exercise plan without the risk of overdoing it and ultimately giving up. And you’ll see it yourself – once you get hooked, moving onto more challenging goals will be a piece of cake.
Tip #2:
Block out time for exercise in your schedule. Imagine that your HIIT workout at home is a very important appointment that you must keep. Schedule all your exercise sessions in your diary and do not let anything interfere with them.
Tip #3:
Book a block of personal training sessions if you feel lost and don’t know what and how to exercise. A personal trainer will not only come up with a workout plan that exactly suits your needs, but will also make sure you progress fast and safely.
Tip #4:
If you like exercising in larger groups, give fitness classes a go. Group exercise can be competitive, challenging and fun and there are plenty to choose from.
Get on with it
1. Start small.
2. Block out time for exercise in your schedule.
3. Book a block of personal training sessions if you feel lost and don’t know what and how to exercise.
4. If you like exercising in larger groups, give fitness classes a go.
5. Have fun!