If you’re trying to make fitness a habit, there are some key things to remember. These tips will help you create and stick to a workout plan that’s healthy for you, and helps you achieve your goals.
Get Real, Set Goals and Be Flexible
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or build muscle, it’s important to set goals that will inspire you. The SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound) is an excellent tool to help you set and reach your fitness goals. It can also help you track your progress, which will allow you to adjust and improve your fitness level as you go.
Choose Activities That Fit Your Lifestyle, Abilities and Taste
Choosing a fitness routine that fits your lifestyle is the best way to make it work for you. That means balancing your time, your energy and your priorities to ensure you get the most out of each workout.
Keep It Fun
Creating a workout routine that you enjoy is one of the best ways to stick with it. It will give you a purpose and keep you motivated to continue exercising on a regular basis.
Gamify Your Routine
Adding fun to your exercise is a great way to get into the habit of working out. Whether you’re doing cardio on the treadmill, strength training in the gym or taking a yoga class, gamifying your fitness routine can add a layer of fun to your workout that can help you stay motivated.
Commit to a Partner
Having a friend or family member commit to an exercise plan can hold you accountable in ways that you might not otherwise be able to, says Patel. They can even check in on your progress with you or provide you with encouragement when you’re struggling to meet your goals.
Get a Health Checkup Before You Start Any New Program
Your body is unique, and your workouts should be tailored to fit your individual needs. This can mean adjusting your workout split, adding a new movement or increasing the weight you use to lift. It can also mean letting your body rest when it’s needed.
If you’re a beginner, start with lighter weights and do more reps as you learn the movement, then gradually increase the weight and do fewer repetitions over time. This way, you’ll build the muscle strength and endurance needed to move heavier weights.
Progressive Overload
You should also be incorporating a progressive overload into your workouts, which is a technique that makes each session slightly more challenging than the last. This can help you keep your workouts fresh, while keeping you injury-free and ensuring that you’re always progressing in your fitness level.
Be Consistent and Reward Yourself
If you want to make fitness a habit, it’s important to make it a priority, which can be difficult when there are so many other tasks on your to-do list. Having an idea of what you want to accomplish in the next few weeks can help you stay on track, and it can give you a sense of accomplishment when you see your results.