According to the CDC, over 100,000 deaths could be prevented per year if adults aged 40 and over increased their physical activity.
But we all know how easy it is to make a new year’s resolution to work out every day, excitedly get that gym membership, and then quit after a few weeks.
The good news is that you can create an effective routine you love by following a few simple tips for working out.
Ready to get into the best shape of your life? Keep reading for our top 7 tips to create a consistent routine that gets you results!
1. Prepare Ahead of Time
One of the best tips for working out consistently is to prepare for your workout ahead of time.
This includes:
- Packing your gym bag the night before
- Setting out your workout clothes
- Preparing a healthy breakfast beforehand
- Charging your phone and preparing a music playlist
For example, if you want to work out after work (but before dinner), you’re going to be hungry. If you waste an hour preparing for your workout, you’ll be too hungry to exercise at all.
And if you work out in the morning, prepare a quick smoothie or scrambled eggs to have before or after your workout. Some other quick and healthy options include overnight oats, avocado toast, or a healthy protein bar.
2. Do Workouts You Like
If you don’t like running, you’re not going to get up early to do it. Even worse, you could end up associating all workouts with something you hate.
It may take some trial and error to find the workouts you like, but once you find them, sticking to your routine will be much easier.
Plus, there are endless workout options available today. With gyms, studios, and at-home workouts, you can mix up your routine as much as you want.
Don’t forget that a lot of activities count as exercise.
For example, you might decide to walk or bike home after work instead of driving. You could also play sports with some friends or attend a yoga or dance class. These are all ways to increase your fitness level and flexibility while having fun.
3. Set Small, Achievable Goals
If your goal is to lose 100 pounds, that’s amazing. But it’s also a huge goal that can be daunting.
Instead of setting one large goal, break it down into smaller goals that you can achieve along the way.
Once you’ve achieved one, you can move on to the next goal, whether it’s to lose another 10 pounds, fit into a certain pair of jeans, or run a half marathon.
If losing 10 pounds is still an overwhelming goal, one of the best workout tips is to break it up into mini-goals. This could be losing one pound, running an extra block, or doing three more reps of weights.
Setting mini-goals might sound frivolous, but it’s an important way to give yourself positive reinforcement. And once you start achieving your mini-goals, you’ll feel like you’re capable of achieving your bigger ones.
4. Wear Comfortable Workout Clothes
Have you ever worn gym clothes that tugged and pulled in all the wrong places while you were working out?
Not only is this uncomfortable (and sometimes painful), but it’s going to distract you from your workout.
Some of the best fabrics for workout gear include bamboo, spandex, nylon, and moisture-wicking cotton. For the most comfort, look for products that are breathable and have a bit of stretch to them.
And if you’re doing high-intensity exercises, you’ll want to learn how to prevent chafing.
5. Exercise With a Friend
If you’re finding it tough to stay motivated or hold yourself accountable, then finding a workout buddy is the way to go. This could be a friend who’s also looking to get into working out, someone from the gym, or even a co-worker.
If you’ve planned to go for a 7 a.m. run the next day, you’re much more likely to go if you promised someone else you’ll be there.
Your workout partner doesn’t have to be someone who is working out for the same reasons as you are. They could be working out to lose weight, get toned, or just to stay in shape.
The important thing is that you have someone to motivate you and help you stay accountable.
6. Vary Your Workouts
Even if you’re only doing workouts you like, a boring routine can still ruin your workout motivation.
Even the best exercises can cause injury if you’re constantly working out the same muscles without giving them a chance to rest and recover.
That’s why it’s important to mix things up and try new things. For example, if you always lift weights at the gym, try using the treadmill twice a week.
And if you’re bored of your routine but want to focus on a certain part of your body, try doing different exercises for similar muscle groups. For example, if you always do squats, try adding lunges to your routine.
7. Start Small
If you’ve never committed to a workout routine before, then it can be dangerous to immediately go into hardcore workouts. Before you start, consult with your doctor, who can help you create a plan based on your current fitness level.
Then, create a schedule of workouts that you know you can achieve. This may be a couple of walks around the block to start. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can move on to more intense workouts.
But remember, start small and increase your workouts gradually. This will help you avoid injury and ensure that you stick to your routine.
Try These Tips for Working Out Today
Working out each day can be tough, but the health benefits of exercising are more than worth it. These seven tips for working out will help make the process more manageable and less daunting.
So, put on your workout clothes, lace up your sneakers, and get out there! With a bit of effort and consistency, you’ll have a workout routine you’ll look forward to in no time.
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