How to make exercise an unbreakable habit
A lot of people want to know how to get motivated to workout and build an exercise habit that sticks. Often building a sustainable habit is the hardest part of starting a new routine, but once you’ve built a strong habit the benefits will show in no time.
Here are my top strategies that will help you make it easier to stick with your exercise habit.
1. Put your training schedule on your calendar
If you want time to exercise, you have to make time for it. One of the best ways to do that is to schedule your workouts on your calendar and treat them like doctor’s appointments.
Instead of making exercise something you’ll get to if you have time make it something you actively set time aside for. Doing it this way means that you’re protecting that time as time for you and your workout.
2. Have a plan for your workout
It’s so important to know exactly what you’re going to be doing when you work out so that you’re not just wandering around the gym without a plan. That’s one of the reasons people get so much from following a program like mine.
Having your whole work out planned for you means you can focus on getting yourself to wherever you’re going to exercise knowing that you’ve got a great session ready and waiting.
You’ll be surprised by how much having a plan can keep you motivated to work out. It removes motivation-sapping uncertainty and ensures you actually see motivation-boosting results.
3. Exercise for something
Motivation research shows that when we have a clear purpose for a task, we’re more likely to do it regularly. So have a why for your workouts. Setting a realistic fitness goal is great way to help keep your motivation high.
It could be something like improving your strength or living a long time for your kids. Whatever it is, write it down and refer to it every day. When you don’t feel like working out, read your purpose to remind yourself of why you’re trying to exercise regularly.
4. Aim for consistency
When it comes to habit formation, consistency is king.
Even when circumstances prevent you from doing a “perfect” workout always try to do something. Have a crazy busy day? Still work out, but make it a little shorter. Traveling? Still work out, even if you have to improvise with the equipment available in the hotel gym. Feeling sluggish? Still move, however slowly, through your planned workout.
Of course it’s also important to listen to your body (and be sure you’re allowing time for recovery), but don’t take an all-or-nothing approach to your workouts. When conditions aren’t perfect, it’s better to continue the habit, and do something, than to do nothing at all.
5. Make it social
Research shows that habits spread through our social networks and it’s no different for working out. Have you tried working out with a friend or family member? Having a friend to exercise with means you’re more likely to show up AND stick to your habit.
If you’re a member of my program make sure you make use of the QUEENTEAM Facebook group to motivate and support you. They’re such an incredible group of women!
Remember, working out is never a quick fix. In order to get long lasting results it’s important to build exercise and healthy routines into your life for the long run.
If you have any questions please email me. I love hearing from you and always answer your messages personally. Send me an email anytime at contact@alexia-clark.com.
Popular articles
