Have you been trying to lose weight or get back in shape, but you just can’t stick to an exercise routine? Perhaps you started an exercise program and had to stop because of family and work responsibilities that were competing for your time. Or maybe you were simply feeling flat and demotivated. Sometimes, the things that pull us away from exercise routines are beyond our control – but often, it’s also because we over-complicate matters.
Alexander Gordon offers help.
If you’re finding it challenging to be consistent in your exercise program, one of the reasons below may be the cause.
My tips will help you overcome some of the barriers that are standing in the way and preventing you from maintaining a consistent workout routine.
People looking to get back in to shape often overestimate their fitness levels. This means that they start with exercises that are too demanding and strenuous instead of easing into a new routine. Aiming too high, and consequently feeling overwhelmed by your workouts, can make you feel unfit and tired, which can be de-motivating and off-putting.
It’s critical that you remain realistic about your personal fitness level and your workout routines so you can avoid making mistakes.
1. Don’t try to overcompensate for your lack of exercise
If it’s been a while since you last exercised, you may be tempted to do too much all at once rather than staggering your re-entry into the realm of workouts. Instead, you should take the approach of not pushing yourself too hard. Take it easy so you don’t end up getting overwhelmed, exhausted, and discouraged.
2. Don’t start where you left off
If you used to have a specific workout plan, but haven’t exercised since then, don’t expect to be able to walk straight back into your old routine. That’s a recipe for injury and a sure way to put yourself off from exercising. Be sensitive to your aging body and adjust your workout according to your current fitness level.
3. Be realistic about how long it takes to get fit
It’s better to make a personalized training plan based on your current fitness levels rather than forcing yourself to stick to an intense routine to try to speed up your overall progress. This will likely make you feel too exhausted, and you’ll end up wanting to stop working out even before starting properly.
4. Aim to create a realistic fitness routine
Your goal should be to try and make training a part of your daily routine that’s based on your current fitness level, and not what it used to be like in the past. Getting back into shape takes commitment, but you also need to be moderate with your fitness plan at the beginning. Once you’ve reached a certain strength and endurance level, you can then step it up a notch.
5. Incorporate appropriate workouts for your lifestyle
It’s a good idea to plan and see if your workouts will fit into your lifestyle because if they’re too tricky to manage (for example, if you need to drive an hour to get to a gym), it may end up being a reason why you cease training as it’s too challenging and time-consuming. Plan out how much time you can realistically allocate to training per day and find activities that will fit with your schedule. There are various other ways you can incorporate exercise into your daily life without having to hit the gym. These may include opting to walk or cycle to work, taking the stairs instead of the elevators, or going for a walk during your lunch break.
6. Take advantage of free exercise options
For some, being unable to afford a gym membership or personal trainer may be barriers that prevent them from getting fit. There are many ways you can exercise for free at home by doing activities like online training classes on YouTube or by following instructions from a yoga or pilates book. You could also take walks around your neighbourhood or local park, or try walking or cycling to work.
7. Don’t let the weather stop you
Many people get put off from exercising if the weather outside is too cold and miserable. An easy solution to this is to join an indoor gym where you can take classes, go swimming, or use workout machines. Or, at home you could even play fun exercise-based video games, Wii fit or use VR (virtual reality) when the weather is bad!
8. Mix it up
Some people get put off from exercising because they don’t enjoy stagnant routines. If you’re feeling bored doing the same kind of exercises every time, try mixing it up and adding new elements to it. You could try exploring a new route if you walk, cycle, or jog in the same forest or park. Exercising with your family as part of a group activity may also be a fun option.