Workout routines are difficult to keep up with, but by making a few adjustments your routine will stand the test of time.
We’ve all been there. It starts off well, you have every intention of keeping it going, and it slowly withers away. It happens, whether our favorite excuses get the best of us or we just lose interest. But it doesn’t have to happen. There are a few ways to pull it together and make your workout routine gain longevity.
One great way to fight off those tough self made excuses is to have someone else fight them off for you. Having a workout buddy can work in your favor for many reasons. First of all you can’t let your buddy down so you will make yourself go, and working out is sometimes more enjoyable when you have someone to enjoy it with. Not to mention if you have a competitive side, nothing makes you try harder then when someone else one ups you.
Another way to get on and stay on a routine, is attending a regular class. Whether you take yoga, turbo kick boxing, or perhaps a kayaking class you’re bound to get a workout and even get hooked. Don’t be afraid to take a challenge, try harder levels or if you take an athletic class, look in to adult teams in the area. Swimming is a great example of how you can progressively challenge yourself, you can start by taking a beginners class but when ready for the next level there are many available options such as masters swim teams which give a competitive workout and opportunities to compete. Interested in finding a masters program, near you visit: http://www.usms.org/.
There is something about keeping an exercise journal that keeps you motivated. It is easy to make your own, but The Ultimate Workout Log created by, Suzanne Schlosberg is a great choice. Not only does it allow tracking of daily workouts, but it encourages goal setting, monitor their nutrition, and they included great facts and myth busters on every page. Another plus to keeping a journal is being able to see the progress made over time, because it is all too easy to forget where we started .
For goodness sake don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut. There is nothing that will kill a routine faster then doing the same monotonous workout day after day. Not to mention once your body gets used to certain workouts they are less challenging therefore less effective. According to the International Sports Insider monotonous workouts can lead to overtraining, which is another routine breaker. Try something new, instead of once again stepping on to the treadmill, look in to hiking spots in your area or try out the rock wall you always just walk by. If you are attached at the hip to your treadmill make sure you explore all settings, try different grades, or programmed fitness tests.
When you were a child and did well at something, what happened? Most likely you were rewarded for your hard work. The same principle should apply now that you are all grown-up. Give yourself a little incentive, perhaps some new workout gear or a celebration dinner. Make sure you recognize what you have accomplished, and keep up the good work.
