Creating a new workout routine, especially if you’re starting from ground zero, can be overwhelming. Between finding the time, energy and resources to get a good workout in, sometimes it feels easier to just throw in the towel. But living a healthy lifestyle is crucial to our whole health, and having a workout routine is a big part of that. Do you need to go out and run a half marathon every week? Of course not! What’s most important is to create a plan that works best for you.
Here are five tips to creating a successful workout routine.
- Identify a skill, body part, or muscle group to focus on
While it’s important to improve your overall fitness, try focusing on one or two areas of your body to begin with. It can be discouraging if you try to do everything at once. For example, you may choose to develop your endurance by running further and faster. Or, you could try to improve your balance with various strength exercises. You can add variety to your workout routine to keep it new and fun, but if you try to work out all your muscles all the time, you will wear yourself out quickly. - Start off slow
When you begin a new workout routine, it is important to have patience with yourself. If you try to overdo it too quickly, you could end up hurting yourself. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Well, not an actual marathon, but you get the point. Don’t feel discouraged by how far you have to go. Focus on how far you’ve come. Starting slow and working up to your goals will benefit you in the long run. - Set specific goals
Whether you want to workout three times a week, run two miles every day or lose ten pounds, be specific in your goals. Doing so will help you track your progress and give you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve it. Make your goals attainable and consider small goals on your way to achieving a much larger one. If the goal is unachievable, you may get discouraged along the way. Try writing it down or telling a friend to help you stick to it. - Create some accountability
There are many benefits to having a friend or family member join you in your new workout routine. It can provide you motivation and possibly friendly competition. If nothing else, talk to a friend or family member about your new plan and the goal you have set for yourself. This person can be a great accountability partner to talk to about workouts and to celebrate achievements with. - Take the pressure off yourself
If your new routine doesn’t stick right away or you miss a few workouts, it’s okay! Your workout routine doesn’t need to be perfect. You can revise it as you go based on what works best for you. If you planned to workout every morning at 6:00 am and you sleep through your alarm every morning, try switching your workouts to the evening. If you sign up for a yoga class and find yourself dreading it every day, find something new instead. Over time, your workout routine will adapt to your lifestyle and will feel less like work and hopefully more like fun.
Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has his or her own health and wellness journey. Creating a successful workout routine is about you and your health.
To find opportunities to live a healthier lifestyle, check out community wellness events and classes at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.