According to the Association of Applied Sport Psychology, as many as 80% of people who begin an exercise program do not stick with it. Maybe they are not talking about you as you have created a solid routine and exercise is now a part of your life but think about the people in your life that are struggling to get started and keep going. If you or someone you know feel challenged to adhere to an exercise routine, read on!
One of the best motivators is doing something because you enjoy it! Finding the fun in exercise is the first step to making it a long-term habit.
The second biggest motivator is seeing progress. Choosing an activity or activities that allow for gradual success measures for you.
The third is not knowing what to do or where to start. This is where a certified instructor or personal trainer can help you.
Working out with a friend or others in a group environment will give you social support and encouragement. There is a lot to be said about making a commitment to someone else when it comes to sticking with your exercise routine. It is easy to talk ourselves out of doing a workout today, but it is far less likely you will cancel out on someone else. So, find a workout buddy!
Next, think of a manageable progression for you. Begin your fitness program from where you are and be realistic with what you expect to accomplish. Beating yourself up when you work out is not fun. Begin easy and slowly increase your effort.
Cross-train as much as possible. Do different activities throughout the week to keep things interesting not only for your mind but your body as well. The human body is highly adaptable to exercise. The more you mix things up, the more your body needs to react to change. For example, take a cycle class one day, lift weights the next day, attend a yoga class, dance or do a choreographed class and so on. There are so many kinds of workouts you can do. Keep it fresh and try new things. Not only will you see better results, but you will also decrease your risk of overuse injuries.
If you already have a fitness routine, consider adding something new to it once a week to keep progressing your health and fitness goals. If you have fallen off the fitness wagon and are looking for support to get back on, reach out to a friend or join a group fitness environment.
If you know someone that could use some encouragement, please share this article with them.
We are here to support you!
The Team at The ACADEMY
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