How To Make Working Out A Habit 

For the last few years, my waistline has been steadily expanding. I don’t know when this resistance to exercise officially took hold. Since performing toe touches on my high school cheerleading squad, I’ve enthusiastically worked out without reservation. So when the petite cheerleader within, who prided herself on executing the perfect round-off, said, “Enough is enough,” I had to listen. I desperately wanted to change. But after a series of false starts, I wondered if it was possible. I had to figure out how to make working out a habit. Sticking to a healthy workout routine can be challenging. Who has time to train with a million other things to do?

Why is steady exercise important?

I knew I had to be consistent if I wanted to see results. Unfortunately, hitting and missing my training pushed my fitness goals into the distance. And my constant gorging on sweets further exiled them to the hinterlands of my mind. I knew the benefits of physical activity on health and wellness. I lived it in my younger years. According to the CDC, exercise is a key way to improve mental health, manage weight, and decrease disease risk. All benefits I needed. So why is it so hard to develop and stick with a routine?

It’s the “C” word… again!

We are super pumped when we begin, but we get lost or discouraged somewhere along the way. Yes, consistency is the key, but it’s incredibly elusive. I’ve struggled in this area for years. Thank God for perseverance! In those moments of doubt, I found three things have helped me be consistent: finding a preferred training style, creating a routine, and ignoring my feelings. 

Style

When it comes to working out, one size doesn’t fit all. Finding the proper exercise for you is a game changer. There are plenty to choose from, including yoga, pilates, running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength training, swimming, or walking. Try different types until you find what fits. I typically gauge the “perfect fit” by my goals and what feels good. For example, I love to dance. And the way I get down, it’s a great form of cardio. So each week, I add a little dance cardio to my routine. I’ve also realized that I don’t particularly appreciate doing the same routine every day. So, I mix it up and try to make it fun. If you enjoy exercising, it’s easier to remain consistent.

Routine

Once you know your preferred training style, create a routine. A workout routine develops consistency because it motivates you to make physical activity a part of your life. I notice results—an increase in energy, a reduction in stress, and weight loss—once exercising starts to feel like a critical part of my daily routine. Another essential thing to consider is location. The gym is the first place we think of, yet, several other options will save time and money. For example, suppose your apartment complex or homeowner’s association includes an exercise studio. In that case, this is a great way to catch a quick workout. Working out at home is another choice. Many exercise programs are online for free or at a small fee. The more you practice your routine, the easier it becomes to maintain.

Don’t feel like working out? Here are 7 Ways To Increase Your Motivation!

Emotions

“I know I should, but I don’t feel like it” has escaped my mouth more than I’d like to admit. Forget your feelings and do it anyway! Bypassing your emotions and sticking to your routine may be one of the hardest parts of this journey, but it’s essential. The best way to make working out a habit is to set fire to discouraging thoughts and remain committed. My initial goal was to lose weight, but I gained tremendous discipline. The process was good for my body and mind. I started looking at both food and exercise as medicinal—I may not always want to take my vitamins, but I do it anyway. If you’re not excited now, imagine how you’ll feel when you reach your goal weight. Now that’s a feeling to chase after! 

Finally

As previously stated, consistency is everything when trying to make working out a habit. Yet, give yourself some grace. Starting a new routine takes time. You can’t rush something you want to last forever. Three things have helped me develop consistency: finding a preferred training style, creating a routine, and ignoring my feelings. There are plenty of training styles to choose from. Base your “perfect fit” on your fitness goals and what you enjoy doing. The less resistance you have towards working out, the easier it is to remain consistent. The next step is creating your exercise routine. Regular movement and physical activity teach you to make fitness a part of your lifestyle. We all have days where we feel unmotivated, but we must keep pushing. Acknowledging your feelings is okay, but you can’t let them decide. When taking action, it’s best to ignore your feelings and do it anyway.

I’m pleased with my current waistline and happy that the aversion to working out has passed. Don’t get me wrong, I still have days where I “just don’t feel like it,” but I don’t let my feelings stop me. Working out has become one of the best habits that I have. Getting to this point wasn’t easy, but it’s been worth it. So who has time to train with a million other things to do? We do! I would love to hear from you! How has regular exercise helped your life? What tips do you have to make training easier?