Sticking with your workout routine

One of the most challenging parts of working out is actually finding time to do it. That's one of the reasons that I decided to do the 30 Day Shred because as a work-at-home-mom of three kids who often parents alone, I was afraid that while I had the motivation to work out, I wouldn't find the time.

And then if I found the time, the question was whether it would be enough to actually get the weight off.

It's true that it takes 21 days to start a habit, and when it comes to taking your workout from a resolution to an actual regular part of your life, it makes sense to take a little bit more time to figure out what is going to work for your schedule or how you can adapt your schedule to make working out more of a habit and not just a hobby or a means to an end.

1. Write out your day

Literally write down your daily schedule so you can see exactly where you are spending your time, and what you can possibly spare for working out.

2. Choose your workouts based on your schedule

Make sure your schedule allows for an hour long belly dancing class or a half-marathon training schedule. You might want to do those things, but if you can fit them into your schedule, you're setting yourself up for failure before you even start.

And if you realllly want to do something, then be willing (and ready) to make some changes to make it happen.

3. Give it time

Give yourself at least 10 days before you ditch your current workout plan. Like I said above, it really takes 21 days to make it a habit, and so if it feels like an awkward fit at first, then it might just take an adjustment period.

4. Ask for help

Make your plans known to your family (and your friends) and enlist their help. If they know you are dedicated to making this change in your life, then hopefully they'll kick in (and pitch in) to make it happen for you.

5. Think of it as more than just a "workout"

When you'd rather be doing 4000 other things, adding a "workout" doesn't sound all that fun. So just remember your goals. Think of it as "me" time. Use it to do thinking, solve problems, and work out issues. It's amazing how great it feels to yell at Jillian Michaels.

Any other tips?

Comments

[suz]

Great post! I found that once I was in the habit, I made time. It was a top priority. For me, the first months of getting into the habit were the hardest. Now it's not even a question of "do I feel like it?"

Thanks for this awesome blog, where I get LOTS of inspiration!

[Kathie]

With the Shred, I decided in advance to allow myself 1 day off per level. Sounds counter-productive, but worked well for me, as I a) felt that I always had an element of choice, whilst at the same time b) always think very carefully before taking that day off, because it means that I will have to do it the other days ;o) Most of the time, I did it anyway, but just giving myself permission to have a day off if I needed it made the whole thing feel easier.

[Quix]

Schedule it into your day, just like you would schedule work, or a meeting, or a doctor's appointment, or something else non-negotiable. I wouldn't just not go to the dentist or a meeting at work because I "didn't feel like it", so I treat my workout the same way. Doesn't mean I can't THINK that I don't feel like it (like today, I really don't), but that's no excuse.

[Louise Esola]

Great tips. Another one that works for me is: do not set a deadline. Deadlines for weight loss often become deal-breakers, especially if you miss some workouts or cheat on your diet while on vacation.... then you wind up throwing in the towel. Give yourself a break. And moms, specifically, give yourself two breaks. Take it day by day. Make room for slip ups. You are only human. In my experience, when I stopped obsessing I get the best results.

[B]

I don't think. Don't think about all I have to do, or how much I don't want to do the work out or how I hate running like a hamster. When it comes to workouts that I dread, say, after a particularly sleepless night, I go on auto-pilot.