4 Ways to Work Out Consistently
By KayLee Chie Kuehl
For many of us, finding the time to exercise is almost impossible. Already, fitting in basic necessities such as eating three meals a day and getting eight hours of sleep can be a rigorous task.
But as difficult as it can be, maintaining a regular workout routine is essential for overall health. It energizes us throughout the day and makes it easier to sleep at night. Here are four ways fitting workouts into your schedule can be easier and more consistent!
Have a Motivation
Although exercise is a contributor to overall health, having a specific motivator for keeping up with your routine can ensure consistency. Ask yourself why you want to workout. Is it because you want to lose weight? Do you want to get stronger? Do you want to increase your mobility? Think about the answers to these questions, but make them specific. Go beyond the physical benefits of exercise and think about the emotional elements that could possibly influence your motivation. Does exercise help relieve your anxiety? Will it keep you balanced throughout the day? Is it an act of self-love? As you think about these questions, be sure to write your answers down as well. This will help you stick to your motivations and in turn, keep up with your workout routine.
Start Small With Mini Workouts
Many people say it takes 30 days to make a habit. However, that habit is harder to create if the build-up starts off a little too strong. For example, in some ways it is unrealistic to expect an upkeep in longer and more rigorous workouts when coming from a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. So start small! Mini workouts are a great way to ease into harder exercises. Joining a class is a good way to get started, and examples include dance, yoga, or circuit training. Classes are also a great way to keep yourself accountable! Other mini workout methods include short videos, like five-minute ab workouts or 10- to 15-minute high-intensity exercises. All can become a solid base for building up workout endurance.
Measure Your Progress
It can be beneficial to journal your progress after every workout. What did you accomplish during the time you set aside to exercise? What are you proud of? As working out is a form of self-care, so is praising yourself for completing the task. You deserve applause! Even if you were only able to get a few minutes in, commend yourself for still committing to it. Additionally, you can add a goal at the end of your progress measurement, enhancing your motivation to workout again. This is also a great way to make sure your exercises are scheduled.
Busy work schedules, schoolwork, family, and various other commitments make fitting in a few days for exercises seem less important. But following one or all of these four steps can make it easier to gain consistency every day!
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brownsville, Tex.