There are so many ways to exercise that even the pickiest of people can find something they enjoy doing. Yet, even with the variety that exists, it can be difficult to find something that you are willing to do on a regular basis. I got over my non-exercise slump years ago but I still need variety in my routine to stay motivated.
I have also dealt with friends who just can't stick to any routine no matter how much I've helped them try to get into fitness. They have tried everything: boot camp classes, walking 30 minutes a day, personal trainers, workouts on dvd, you name it, and nothing seems to work. Do you find yourself in the same situation?
Find Something That Piques Your Interest and Get Fanatical
Just like my struggle with eating well, getting into the exercise habit took a shift in mindset to make it work. When you're starting out with fitness, I recommend finding something that interests you a lot.
Whatever interests you, research who else uses the workout and achieved success. Chances are, you will become very motivated and want to follow a similar routine. If it helps, turn it into a little project. Maybe kettlebells look fun. Find other kettlebell fanatics and get into it. Almost every form of exercise has a following. Even pure body weight exercise has a fan base.
Find What Conquers Your Biggest Obstacles
Usually the biggest obstacle for people not exercising is time. There never seems to be enough time to devote to an hour of exercise. Another obstacle is boredom. Many people think exercise is boring and it can be if you crave variety like I do. Search for workouts that work around your issues.
For example, let's say lack of time is your main problem. There are a lot of workouts that cater to this. Circuit training and interval training are great workouts that are short, intense, and have a ton of variety because they don't require much except your own body weight and maybe some dumbbells.
You can do them at home, 45 minutes at the most of your time, and only a few times a week. My current workout program is a good example of this.
Take the Pressure Off
Even though I exercise regularly, I still fall into that occasional slump. There are days I simply don't feel like working out. Allow yourself to take a break. Sometimes it's what we need to keep going. I used to stress myself out when I belonged to a gym. I'd feel terrible if I skipped. Who needs that added pressure? It will only make you begin to hate exercise.
Take your necessary rest days. Just don't use the workout slump as an excuse to never start back up.
photo credit: sxc.hu
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Jillian Michaels: Shred-It With Weights
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I found a way of exercising that doesn’t slow me down. I create my own routine, but I’ve been an athlete my whole life so I guess others can’t really do that. But what they can do is find a way to stay active in doing things they love. Of course if they love laying on the couch I am not sure if they can come up with a workout that focuses around the couch, LOL.
But if you love dancing there are workouts that based around dancing, if you like jumping there is plyometrics, if you like lifting there is dumbbells, etc.
Thank you for the article
Hi Tatianna. I agree. There are workouts for just about every interest. I like to collect circuit training routines I come across and use those for variety.
I’ve found what works for me, BOXING! I did not want to run on the treadmill, but actually do an activity. I agree with Tatiana, its so much easier to stay active by doing something that you love!
Something that I have found that works for me is to try multiple different types of fitness training and keep changing up my routine. I think that the main reason that people end up ditching a routine is because they just get bored of it. If you are looking for a shorter workout I would recommend bodyweight exercises because they are a multi-joint exercise so you would burn more calories per exercise.
After years of finding it hard to drag myself to the gym to do the same old thing. I found that if I get involved in the offered classes I began to enjoy it more. I took up yoga to counteract the intense weights workouts I was performing and found this extremely beneficial.
One reason why people find it difficult to stick to an exercise routine is that they feel there are no results forthcoming. This often is a result of having weight loss expectations that are unrealistic. When setting fitness goals, it is very important to find what is achievable, and work towards that.
Great article and applicable for anyone who has exercised longer than 3 months. Variety is the spice of life and is definitely the same for exercise especially when you are consistent with your exercise routine. I have used several techniques including enjoying shorter workouts, different gyms, workout partners, outside exercise routines such as bike riding, hiking, or canoeing. Just as long as I move or exercise with a purpose 4 or 5 days a week is great for me and a wonderful investment in my health.
In the past I’ve made excuses about being too busy to take time to workout. I recently moved to Miami, FL and one of my neighbors convinced me that working out with someone else could help me with my motivation. I decided to take her advice and go to Biscayne Boxing & Fitness Club with her.
I was surprised as to how much fun I had. I didn’t realize that I would ever be motivated to workout, let alone enjoy myself. I have continued working out with my neighbor about 2 or 3 times a week. I have a busy schedule, but have been able to take a few hours a few times a week to motivate myself.
I think another important factor is finding a time that works for you.
If you get in the habit of doing the same thing everyday for a month, you’ll be set.
I need to get with my fitness program. You’re right, it’s not time per say that’s the problem, but more of a motivation. I think I’d be more inclined to brisk walk, but there’s really nothing in our area that suits this idea. *sigh*
If you struggle with motivation then you might want to consider dancing.
Dancing is fun and doesn’t feel like exercise.
So put on your favorite dance music, close the curtains and door and dance away your unwanted fatzones.
Once you get in better shape and get more energy, you’ll be motivated for sure to crank it up a notch.