Have you ever thought about starting an exercise program but never began because you just didn’t know where to start? Or have you ever started an exercise program only to give up after a few weeks or after the first month? If so, you’re not alone. Luckily, we’ve put together our top four tips to help you successfully start exercising and stick to it for the long run.
1) Start small and build. One of the most important tips (if not the most important) to follow when implementing a new exercise routine is to start small. It’s very easy to become overzealous and want to go from not working out at all to exercising five days a week. Going from 0 to 100 right out of the gate is a recipe for failure. Sure, it may be attainable for a week or so, but not for the long run. Instead, start with two workouts per week, and when you can maintain that frequency for a month, add in another day. Keep this up until you are at a frequency that is realistic for your health and fitness goals and your lifestyle.
2) Find something you enjoy. Another tip for sticking to an exercise routine is choosing something that you like to do. For example, if running isn’t your thing, then it isn’t realistic to incorporate running into your weekly workout routine. By doing so, you’ll only begin to dread your workouts and ultimately stop doing them. Instead, pick something that you enjoy doing, such as lifting weights or biking.
3) Schedule your workouts. Since most people have very busy lifestyles with virtually zero time to workout, it’s important to schedule the time. On Sunday, sit down, take a look over your calendar and pencil in your workouts. For most people, the mornings are the best time to exercise—before obstacles such as work appointments start to pop up. Do everything in your power to not let anything disrupt your workout appointment and stick to it.
4) Set yourself up for success. Our last tip on how to start exercising and stick to it is to setup yourself up for success. It sounds simple enough, but this can take some effort. Aside from starting with small goals, choosing an activity you enjoy and scheduling the time to workout, it’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure success. If you’re exercising in the morning, laying out your gym clothes the night before or packing your gym bag is essential. If you know it’s unreasonable to make it the gym consistently, another way to set yourself up for success is to purchase a few items that you can exercise with at home, such as free weights and resistance bands.
Jason DeHenzel has trained some of New York’s most prestigious clients, including high-profile lawyers, advertising executives, movie producers and musicians. Sophie DeHenzel is a Pn1-certified nutritionist and former downhill ski racer. The pair founded DeHenzel Training Systems, a 2015 Home-Based Business of the Year from the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. DeHenzel Training Systems develops customized fitness plans for clients of different abilities, experience and commitment. Find out more at dtsnova.com.
