Consistency in exercise is the toughest thing. Here are some suggestions to help you stay motivated

How to maintain a regular exercise schedule

"An apple a day is better than seven apples on Sunday," one of my gurus once said to me.

In other words, it is far better to accomplish a little things every day than a lot every few days.

The greatest indicator of accomplishing most objectives is consistency. Therefore, "How consistent have I been?" is a great question to ask yourself if you're unhappy with your development.

Not too pleased with your response? Here are seven suggestions to increase consistency.

BE CLEAR ON YOUR PURPOSE.

Why do you exercise, exactly?

Sometimes coming back to this question will help you break out of a serious lack of motivation rut.

Do you exercise because it makes you feel more energised or because it's excellent for your mental health?

Great! Put it on a post-it note and place it where you will see it often during the day.

It's often simpler to become pumped up about going to the gym when you can link your efforts with a satisfying result.

While you're at it, choose a why that only applies to you and no one else.

There is nothing wrong with trying to impress everyone at your high school reunion or to make your ex envious of you.

However, studies have shown that intrinsic motivators, such as feeling healthier or more confident, are much more powerful than extrinsic motivators like these.

Make it all about you, boo, in other words.

REMOVE BARRIERS

It might sometimes be the simple things that make developing a regular workout routine more challenging.

Even small mistakes like selecting a gym that is too distant from your house and place of employment or forgetting your training attire may ruin the best of intentions.

I experienced this a few months ago (hey, nutritionists and trainers are also human!).

I used to go home and take a little time to relax before working out since I coach early classes at the gym three days a week.

But after that, I was stuck.

Because of how cozy my dogs are on the sofa and how comfortable the couch is, finding motivation became difficult.

I made a commitment to doing out before heading home as much as I could to break out of that malaise.

Since I discovered that driving back in was a hurdle for me, I now do the task when already present.

The lesson I learned from my fitness slump is to consider every possible justification for not going to the gym, then come up with ideas on how to move through those justifications.

PLANNING IT

Speaking of difficulties, do YOU consider time (or a lack thereof) to be one of the biggest ones for consistency?

There is a rather easy solution: Schedule your exercises. It doesn't matter whether your days are jam-packed with activities or if something constantly seems to pop up.

Seriously. Like a business meeting or a doctor's visit, put it on your calendar.

Give yourself ample time to get ready, drive, and work out.

Do all in your ability to maintain your commitment after that.

If a meeting request comes up while you're working out, respectfully refuse and offer an other time.

Set a time to take your children later if they beg you to take them to the mall.

Putting your needs first enables you to better take care of everyone else, even if it may seem irrational or even risky.

PLAN AN IF-THEN SCHEME

Even if you have planned your exercises, you will probably still miss a couple.

If-then statements are helpful in this situation.

Backup plans are if-then scenarios. "If (x) occurs, then I'll do (y)," they say. For those who are busy, they are also tremendously helpful.

Start by taking a look at your planned exercises to see which ones you may have to miss because of unforeseen circumstances, such as hectic work weeks or child medical visits.

Make a backup strategy next.

For instance, "I'll jog during my daughter's soccer practice instead of reading if I can't get my exercise in at my planned time."

The idea is to follow the original schedule, but the if-then strategy guarantees that even on your busiest days, you'll get some exercise.

Are you one of those people that waits about for inspiration to come to them without exerting any effort? Are you among those who believe that their busy schedules prevent them from finding time to exercise regularly? Or do you want to be among those who are effectively exercising in good faith despite having many excuses not to do so? The difference between these 2 categories, I'll tell you, is just five steps, and you can truly decide which category you wish to fall under. You may choose to keep yourself motivated by doing activities that are special to you.

1. Sequencing across a rigid timetable:

You should forget about getting up at six in the morning to work out. You cannot accomplish this since a person may only conceivably adopt one new habit at a time. Focus on working out once you get up at your normal time instead than waking up early because working out frequently is what you like to do. If you get up at ten, you can workout thereafter, but if you want to exercise in the early morning, you'll probably have to wait until another day.

2. Put on your exercise attire:

It's been said that starting the task is the first step to getting in the mood to accomplish anything. Once you start going on your assignment, you'll usually finish it. So when you put on your gym clothes, you've already won half the fight. As a result, it is more likely that you will exercise than to wait about for inspiration.

3. Permit variety in exercise styles:

Be flexible with your shifting schedules and open to a range of things that you may do. For instance, if you regularly practice Zumba at a certain time, but for some reason you miss one day, you may still go for a brisk walk, practice yoga at home, play badminton with a neighbor, or do high-intensity training at home using online instructions. Just be flexible with the kind of exercise you wish to undertake.

4. Locate a mentor or partner:

Although we are all aware that man is a social animal, we often underestimate how much we depend on it. Working out with a partner is usually simpler and more convenient than working out alone.

Everyone's natural tendency is to falter while forming new habits, but he or she will likely persevere if they see others around them doing the same. As a result, your spouse or mentor will probably encourage you to exercise every day.

5. Get ready in advance:

Just like you would prepare in advance for the workplace or a meeting, do the same with your exercise. Prepare your training attire by washing, drying, and putting it on a previous day before bed. Keep your exercise equipment organized and put away. This will not only save you from scrambling to get items at the last minute, but it will also get your head ready for your exercise tomorrow. Check your daily supply of Gosattva A2 milk and A2 ghee as well since it's crucial to eat well after vigorous exercise.

6. Take note of your development and honor little successes:

You can notice the significant improvements you make over time by keeping a progress chart. When you set smaller objectives and recognize your minor victories, you feel successful, which motivates you to go back into your fitness regimen even if you have to miss a few days. Keeping a diary or using a fitness monitoring app will be beneficial.