How to Get Your Workout Habits to Stick

Sharon Moore November 17, 2014

Most of us have gone through the same experience with exercise – one day you wake up feeling so eager to start working out and then in the middle of the week you think about having a rest day. But the next thing you know, one week has already passed.

Regular exercise is one habit that is somehow difficult to adopt. But don’t worry, the following tips can help.

Put your schedule in the calendar.

Come up with your workout schedule for the week. This way, you will have a clearer picture of what to do and when to do it. Be specific. For instance, maybe you like to do a HIIT workout for Monday, strength training on a Tuesday, and aerobic exercise on Wednesday. Also mark the days when you are most likely to skip a workout.

Choose the time that best fits you.

Some people find exercising in the morning more effective than in in the afternoon. Experiment and figure out the best time that fits you. But be sure to be flexible. Just because you didn’t make it at 7am doesn’t mean you can no longer work out at 10am or 3pm. It’s really okay if you just get half the time you would have spent had you stick to your original schedule. It’s much, much better than skipping out your workout entirely.

Find a deeper reason.

If you’re working out just to fit into your new pair of jeans or look awesome in bikinis, you are less likely to get long-term results. What many people don’t realise is that weight loss is just the side benefit of working out. Regular physical activity has more profound benefits, and they include a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, better brain function, and improved sense of well-being. List down what you expect exercising would do for you. You will be amazed of each item you will write. And you will be more motivated.

Employ variety.

No matter how much you love an exercise, it will become boring and less challenging over time if you keep doing it again and again. Do observe variety. If you’re into dancing, learn a new dance workout each week. If you’re into weight training, challenge yourself with heavier weights each week. If you’re working out at home, visit a local gym from time to time and work out with different people.

Physical exercise is very important if you want to live long and healthy. By incorporating these tips, you can easily make working out a habit that you will carry on for as long as possible.