barefootlifeblog.com: 7 Tips for Sticking to Your Exercise Routine

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7 Tips for Sticking to Your Exercise Routine

Now that the New Year is underway and the gyms are packed with people with good intentions, don’t you wonder what happens by the end of February when 50% of those people have disappeared? It is GREAT to start the New Year with a new exercise plan and motivation to “really stick to it” this year. But then, somehow, life happens and we tend to end up back in the same routine, blowing off working out because we’re tired or have to work late or can’t make time. I know that when life gets crazy, the first thing I do is quit going to yoga. And I KNOW that doing yoga makes me feel much better when life gets crazy. How crazy is that?

So, if you’d still like to be doing your exercise routine by the time March rolls around, here are few tips from people who successfully stick to a routine:

Always exercise on Monday – it sets the tone for the rest of the week.

Never skip working out for more than 2 days. You can skip for one day or two, but more than that and it’s too hard to get back in the saddle.

Find a workout that inspires more than just your body. There are many ways to move your body, but a workout that inspires your spirit and is fun for you is one you are more likely to stick with.

Exercise frequently. Similar to #2 above, if you are only exercising once or twice a week, you are probably overcoming a LOT of inertia to make it happen. Try to do something most days, and it will become much easier. At least 4 times per week.

Something is better than nothing. On days when I REALLY don’t feel like exercising, I just put on my running shoes and I tell myself that I’ll run for 10 minutes and if I don’t feel differently I’ll stop. After 10 minutes I always feel better and want to keep going. Similarly, if you are injured, find something else to do that you can do while your body heals. Anything is also better than nothing.

Create a routine that works for you. If you are too exhausted at the end of the day to exercise, then do it at lunch or first thing. If President Obama can do it, so can you.

Start a Pleasure Journal – what? Yep – journal about the pleasure you receive from exercising every time you do. If you don’t receive pleasure from your exercise routine, then you might want to re-think it. Review your journal entries when you don’t feel like exercising for inspiration.

These are just some tips that work for others. What helps you stick to your exercise routine? Please share your comments with this community!