Whether you want to start a weight loss program, build strength, or just get into better shape, you need to know how to start and maintain your fitness routine. As with many things in life, this is much easier said than done, and that’s why many inexperienced athletes often falter at the first sign of disruption.
But, it’s important to recognize that this does not make you a failure. Very few people are successful in their first attempt at cultivating a consistent fitness routine. So, how do you overcome these humps and smash your fitness goals? You need to know the secrets of success, and you’ll find them right here.
Forget About All or Nothing
If there’s one attitude that is the bane of every budding athlete, it’s the all-or-nothing approach. This is where you miss a day because you’re not feeling it, or you’re too busy, and this begins a downward spiral. You mustn’t let this infect your mindset.
Maintaining a fitness routine can be tough, so your brain might look for any excuse to get out of doing it. If you want to see significant changes, you must ignore this approach and do all you can to force yourself. You don’t need to do the same thing every session, but you must do something.
Wear Suitable Clothing
Wearing inappropriate clothing is an easy way for you to suffer an injury or overheat during your workout. If you don’t have suitable activity gear, it’s time to get out and find some. Lightweight and breathable shirts or shorts are a must, while women will get better support with a sports bra.
You mustn’t ignore the importance of secure, grippy, and comfortable footwear, either. Depending on the activities you’re doing, you can visit WhichFootwear.com to identify the right type of shoes for your exercise, as this puts you in a much better place and means you avoid the risk of injury.
Know Your Expectations
Everyone will have different expectations when strutting their fitness journey, but you must measure these expectations to ensure you are not putting too much pressure on yourself.
If you’ve never run a 5K before, there’s no point in planning on running a marathon within 2 months. This is only going to lead to disappointment. Instead, focus on getting a place you are comfortable with. You might find that it is easier to get there than you thought, so you can adjust your expectations to suit your ability.
Ditch The Excuses
Excuses are something that will hold you back no matter who you are, and in the first few weeks and months, you’ll look for as many excuses as possible.
It’s important to ditch and ignore these excuses to ensure you maintain consistency. Suppose it’s raining too heavily and you can’t go for a run; instead, do some push-ups or lift weights. If you’ve pulled a muscle and can’t do your usual routine, a low-impact activity is a good alternative.
Understand Your Limits
Successful workouts and routines are all about learning your limits. You must listen to your body if you want to stick with your exercise routine.
As you improve your strength and conditioning, you might encounter aches and pains. These are all part of working out, but don’t ignore them because you’re too focused on exercising regularly. As much as consistency is important, so too is allowing your body to heal. Don’t force yourself to work out if you are in pain, as this can make any issues worse and keep you out for longer.
Use Exercise Triggers
Exercise triggers are perhaps the best way for you to stick to a consistent routine, and you should identify the best time to exercise for you. If you know you can work from home most days, get up earlier to squeeze in a run or a short workout session. Likewise, if you have enough time over lunch, a quick trip to the gym will create a consistent routine.
These triggers can come from anywhere, so embracing them and using them as motivation for your workout is one of the most effective things you can do, and you’ll find plenty of workout success through them.
Good Habits
Good habits will not form overnight. They are not formed over a week, two weeks, or even a month. The most important thing for sticking with an exercise routine is determination, but also consistency. The more consistent you are, the greater the chance of success, and if you miss a day, don’t consider it a failure but a minor bump in the road.
