When I first start working with clients I always ask how many days and for how long can you realistically work out. Inevitably I hear everyday.
I smile and I’m like seriously look at your schedule and responsibilities and give me that answer.
You see if you haven’t worked out in a while or you find that you aren’t staying consistent that means that you haven’t established an exercise routine that works for you. If you are going to be serious about getting back in shape, you have to develop and follow a steady plan that allows you to do so.
You must prioritize exercise, develop a plan and stick to that plan.
Look at your day-to-day routine through an objective lens. Ask yourself the following questions.
- Are there things you are doing right now which take up time in your life that are unnecessary’
- What actions and activities are you involved in that are unhealthy’
- How many hours of television you watch each week’
- Could you trade happy hour with your friends after work 3 times a week for exercise’
- Do you really need to drive to work if you live within walking distance’
- Can you go to sleep an hour earlier each night, and use the extra hour for exercise in the morning’
Each week I map out where I going to work out on my calendar. I work for myself so you’d think I’d have all the time in the world to workout, but I map out 3-4 workouts each week. If I have the ability to workout more than that it’s a bonus. You see when I do that I don’t’ get frustrated instead I feel accomplished. Seriously who doesn’t like to feel like a winner!!
By answering these questions will you develop a mindset to help you identify 30 minute and 1 hour blocks in your life that exercise.
Whatever schedule you come up with, stick to it for a minimum of 30 days. Make working out a top priority in your life. Squeeze it in wherever you can, develop and follow a plan religiously, and you will begin to see the results you are looking for.
