5 Ways to Stick With Exercise

For many of us, starting a fitness program is easy. The hard part is trying to stick with exercise. Unfortunately, the results only come if we do in fact stick with the program. There’s just no easy way around it—if you want to achieve your fitness goals (whatever they may be), you have to stay on track. So, once you begin, how do you see it through? Actually, sticking to an exercise program may be easier than you think. Here are some tips and tricks to help you stay focused and moving forward.

1. MAKE A DATE WITH EXERCISE: If you have a daily planner, pull it out and use it. If you don’t have one, go pick a cheap one up from the store. You can even use a wall calendar. Have something visible. Treat exercise as you would a meeting at work or a special event. Pick the days and the times that work best for you and write it down. Believe it or not, this will help you stick with exercise.
2. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR RESULTS: Keep that pen and paper handy. If you lose a pound, write it down. If you splurged on food that day, write it down. When you keep track of your daily habits and the results (or lack there of) during the week, it can be quite the eye-opener. It truly does help to have a visual.
3. KEEP WORKOUT CLOTHES HANDY: This little trick is for those of you that use lack of time as an excuse for lack of physical activity. If you work during the day, carry gym clothes in your car and bring them into the building with you. Change into those clothes before you leave the office. Why? Because, most likely, if they’re left in the car, you will make the old I’m-not-dressed-excuse for not stopping by the gym or going for a nice walk. This is a great way to help you stick with exercise.
4. FIND WAYS TO ADD VARIETY TO YOUR ROUTINE: In many cases, it’s hard to stick with exercise because it gets boring. Well, find ways to keep it fun. Listen to some music or find a running buddy. Try changing locations. You don’t always have to work out at a gym. There are plenty of nice neighborhoods or parks that have great walking or biking trails. Don’t be afraid to spice it up. If you actually enjoy working out, then you might actually stick to it. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Exercise should be fun!
5. REWARD YOURSELF: This does not mean with food. Sure, you can always treat yourself to a yummy snack every now and then, but don’t always use food as incentive to workout. Find other ways to reward yourself. Try telling yourself that you’ll go by a new outfit if you lose 10 pounds. Set a goal date and go for it. Another reward could be a night out at the movies or a day at the spa for staying dedicated to exercise for a full month. The rewards are endless, so be creative.

Remember that the only way to get the results you want is to stick with exercise. There’s really no easy way around it, but there are easy ways to make it a habit. Getting fit and making exercise a way of life is possible. Keep telling yourself that you can do it and you will. It will be a challenge, but one well worth the effort.

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