Habits can be hard to form. Falling out of habits can be pretty easy. The many changes from COVID may have pulled you out of your normal routine two years ago and perhaps you haven’t figured out a new schedule or format you enjoy. The seasons can also unravel the best laid plans. A cold and icy winter might keep you from exercising. But the seasons can also be a time to reboot, especially as the sun pokes out more in spring and the weather gets warmer.
If you’re ready and raring to get into a new fitness routine this spring, here are some tips that can help:
Schedule
Actually put exercise on your calendar. Prioritize it and make sure you have time for it. Include a Monday workout because it sets you up for success for the whole week. If you skip Monday, you might convince yourself it’s okay to skip Tuesday and then the next day. So start your week with a workout.
Think of it like a doctor’s appointment. You’d never put that on your calendar and then blow it off. It’s a needed appointment for your health.
Outside
Make sure some of your workouts are outdoors. When we exercise outside, we exercise longer and find it generally more enjoyable. When getting back in the groove, outdoors can be a welcome, enjoyable distraction.
Reminders
In your inside space surround yourself with reminders to move. Leave you yoga mat out or keep in where you can see it versus tucking it away in the back of a closet. Keep hand weights around that you can pick up when you take a phone call. Leave some fitness tools out and visible that makes moving easier or reminds you to move when you see the object.
Slow
Start slow. If you are just starting a workout routine for the first time, you don’t want to risk getting hurt by doing too much too fast. If you haven’t worked out in a while, try not to fall into the trap of starting where you left off. You’ll need to build back up and it is okay to take time to get there. One of the biggest reasons new fitness routines get derailed is injury from trying to do too much too fast and too soon.
Goal
Consider setting a goal you are excited about but that has a deadline that will help you commit. This also can give your movement a sense of purpose which makes us more likely to stick with it. Maybe you want to do a couch to 5k or get up and down off the floor. You can set a broad range of goals.
Friends
Get friends involved. Exercising with friend makes you more likely to show up to exercise and you’ll tend to exercise longer. Really you’re spending times with friends while you happen to be moving. You could even join a team. If you have a friend you know already exercises, reach out for a pep talk or some encouragement. A friend who truly encourages us without lecturing can really help us move more.
Fun
And remember, exercise can and should be fun. I think we often overlook this one. So if you hate what you’ve picked and you’ll never stick with it, find a different type of movement. It is 100% okay to enjoy the movement you do. Exercise does not have to be a boring chore. If you’re starting fresh, remember movement is fun.
Pair more of these together and that habit is more likely to stick. Workout with a friend outside and it will be a double whammy of pleasure.
We hope you stick to your new workout goals. Let us know how we can help! We love to see people KEEP MOVING!
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Having a hard time building a consistent workout schedule? Read more about how Maggie makes hers!
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