Tips to Help your Training Routine Stick
We have all experienced brief periods where our motivation is high and we love to workout. At some point, continuing to work out can begin to feel less fun and just another thing to check off on a busy schedule. The people that get the most benefit out of training consistently are the people who have done it for decades. These are the people that get by eating some desert without feeling guilty or much weight gain or maybe they take a couple weeks off from the gym completely because they’re on an extended vacation. To get to this point, it requires a great deal of compounded effects from training. This raises the question, what are those people doing or have they done to make it such a consistent part of their life? Here are some of the things we have noticed from our clients at Showtime Strength & Performance.
1. Set Realistic Goals: Start with achievable goals that you can maintain in the long run. The smaller goals you can create on a longer time line creates a better chance of adherence because you’ll constantly be noticing the wins you’re picking up along the way which helps to keep momentum high.
2. Find Activities You Enjoy: Engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy, whether it's swimming, dancing, cycling, or hiking. When you have fun during exercise, it becomes easier to stick with it. If you can find things that keep you more active outside of the gym (biking, swimming etc.) it becomes easier to get extra exercise and benefit from training.
3. Schedule Your Workouts: Treat your workouts as important appointments by scheduling them in advance. Set specific days and times for exercise, making it a priority in your daily routine. We make it a priority to be at work, take meetings etc. but we need to do the same for our health and exercise.
4. Make it Social: Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class or group. Exercising with others can provide motivation, accountability, and a sense of community. We have seen so many friendships form within our groups. This is a powerful tool.
5. Start Small: If you're just getting started or getting back into a routine, begin with shorter, manageable workouts. This helps build consistency and prevents burnout. Starting with two training sessions a week in the gym is a great place to start.
6. Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your workouts, whether through a fitness app, a journal, or a simple calendar. Seeing your progress can be motivating and remind you of how far you've come. If body composition is your goal, I’m a big believer in progress pictures on a weekly or bi weekly basis taken in the same spot at the same times.
7. Reward Yourself: Set up small rewards for reaching milestones or sticking to your routine. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a new workout outfit or a massage, as a way to celebrate your achievements. This could also be something simple like a meal after the workout with your training group which helps reinforce the habits that build positive health and wellness.
Remember, consistency is key. Even on days when motivation is low, try to push through and do something active. Over time, these small efforts will accumulate, and sticking to your fitness routine will become more natural. If you need help getting your routine back on track, shoot us a message on social media and we can get you back on track.
Nick Showman
Showtime Strength & Performance