Keep your fitness routine on track
As we reported in October, your reasons for working out can be the key to fitness. But even with the best reasons before us, it can be really hard to stay motivated to get out there and be active—especially after bikini season, but before resolution season. Here’s how to stick to your workout routine.
Over-commit
Sign up for a physically grueling challenge—a marathon, a charity run, or a fundraising bike ride. Fear of having to drop out at the last minute because you didn’t train well enough can be a powerful motivator—and depending on the event you choose, you can even add in the guilt of not raising funds for a cause you believe in.
Redirect frustration
Feeling stuck at work, trapped during a long winter with a difficult teen, or tired of in-law stress? Don’t breathe—flee, to the gym, and take it out in a class or on the treadmill. Hey, it’s cheap therapy. Other darker emotions you can engage in your quest for workout commitment: jealousy (of others’ bodies), competitiveness (beat your spouse’s best time), and pride (high school reunion coming up?).
Create accountability
Track your workouts in your planner or calendar software programme—book your workout time, and note whether you went or not. If you want to raise the bar, create a workout blog, note workouts on your Facebook page, or even just share your workout calendar with your partner or best friend.
Design your soundtrack
When was the last time you managed to sit down for an hour to listen to your favourite music? Invest in and load up your portable music device and bring it with you as you work out.
Catch up on your ‘reading’
You can also read while riding the bike, or download podcasts and audiobooks to turn your exercise time into idea time. If you focus on work-related material, you may even be able to legitimately justify slipping out 20 minutes earlier to get to the gym, or walk home.
Give up what you hate
Look, if you hate running, you hate running. If the music at your gym drives you crazy, it’s not a good environment. What you do exactly really is less important than doing something. So if you dread parts of your routine, change them—swim instead of run; do yoga instead of trying to stretch out on the mats next to the free weights. And if you’re looking for a quick workout, check out these fitness slideshows:
Lazy woman’s guide to working out
Boost your bust
Ten minutes to toned
Still need guidance? Here are four more tips for workout success!
