How to Commit to Your Training Routine
It can be hard to commit to a regular training routine; some weeks we’ll stick to our workout plan down to the letter and feel on top of the world, and other weeks, our good intentions fall by the wayside and we feel like we’re never quite getting into the swing of things. Of course, this is just part of being human and we all go through times when this is likely to happen, however, here are some tips to consider in order to try and commit to a workout routine:
Form a Habit
Establishing a regular training routine works in the same way as any other habit you may have. You have been brushing your teeth twice a day (we hope!) since you were a little kid; it’s a habit that’s become ingrained in you and not something you’re likely to forget about or want to skip. The same thing applies to your training. Granted, this will be much harder if you work irregular hours, but where possible, setting an alarm for the same time every day and going to the same workout location on that day of each week will help you to adjust to a routine.
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”
It's a cliché for sure, but one that is incredibly accurate. If you know that going to the gym will mean you won’t have time to prepare breakfast in the morning, get it ready the night before. Freeze some fruit and veg in a freezer bag so that you can blend it all up with some liquid and protein powder post-workout in the morning, prepare some overnight oats or try making an omelette. That way, you won’t wake up and excuse yourself from your workout due to a lack of time!
Have Goals
Write down your goals before you start your training plan so that you’re clear about what it is you want to achieve. Whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or increased levels of fitness that you’re after, set it all out so you can start planning how to go about achieving this.
Plan Your Sessions
There is not a lot worse than turning up to the gym with no plan. Most likely you’ll waste most of your session wandering aimlessly around the gym, doing a little bit of everything with minimal structure and end up feeling incredibly dissatisfied with your session. If you know what you’re doing, plan your own workout routine and if you don’t, it might be worth booking into classes - these can be put straight into your diary as appointments and, as classes often have a cancellation fee, you’ll be less likely to want to skip it. Alternatively, if you can afford it, it might even be worth finding a personal trainer to work with or paying a trainer to design a training programme for you, and you’ll be less likely to cancel if it means letting them down.
Get Friends Involved
The same principle applies to booking a personal training session too; you’re unlikely to cancel a workout that you’ve planned to do with a friend because you’ll be letting them down. Get as many friends involved in your workouts as possible so that you can socialise and get a sweat on at the same time.
Got some other great tips that help you stay committed to your training routine? Share them with us in the comments below!
This article was written by Lauren Hunter, personal trainer and health and fitness blogger. For more from Lauren, head to her Instagram, or check out her blog.