January 24, 2017
You know what’s more difficult than keeping up with a workout routine? Starting one. All too often, we begin a new routine and end up quitting a few days later. Why is this? It’s because people dive in without fully considering the surrounding factors that can make or break their willingness and, ultimately, their ability to stick to the goals they established.
The following five tips are geared toward helping you find your sweet spot and helping you make a long-term commitment to your fitness regimen:
Allow yourself to indulge in a new workout outfit (or two) that flatters your body and boosts your confidence. Tugging on a shirt that rides up during your run thwarts a mindful and productive workout. This is especially important for ladies with a bigger bust – investing in a sports bra with sufficient support is essential. It’s also worth investing in fabrics like nylon or bamboo that don’t hold on to copious bacteria and moisture.
Music makes working out seem easier. It can help you keep your focus, distract you from the burn and more. Spotify has some killer playlists for running and walking that incorporate songs with the time measures catered to setting your pace. But it can also be motivating to create your own playlist and have a mix geared to your exact tastes.
Pursuing a healthy lifestyle is supported by eating a nutritious breakfast. Check out a list of hearty recipes that you can perfect to sustain yourself with homemade cooking instead of cereal from the box. Starting your day with a glass of warm lemon water is said to have immense benefits like improved digestion, improved liver function and increased metabolism. It’s also important to ensure you’re eating the right foods before and after a workout to perform better and recover faster. If you need inspiration, sign up for a healthy cooking class to learn some new recipes.
Being a slave to the StairMaster for an hour isn’t necessary to have a fulfilling workout. Walking instead of using transportation or jogging with your dog or a workout buddy are simple ways to burn calories without the stress of the gym. If you’re looking for a social fitness experience, try joining an intramural sports team, kayaking on the Schuylkill River or walking the Wissahickon Trail with a friend.
Whether it’s keeping a journal, checking in with a friend or signing up for a fitness class, finding ways to remain accountable for your lifestyle goals will help you monitor your progress and stay on track. If you have the funds and especially struggle with accountability, it might behoove you to hire a personal trainer. Or, if you’re on a tighter budget, purchasing a Fitbit or using other apps can gamify your fitness journey, allowing you to compete with your own goals and keep up with your friends.
The most important overall lesson to keep in mind when starting a new workout routine is to make it your own. Find what works for you in order to stay invested in your new routine. Make that playlist and find the clothes and food that support your goals so you can get out there and start moving!
