When it comes to working out, the biggest challenge for me is getting started. Once I’m moving I’m okay, but the absolute hardest part for me is getting started. I know I’m not the only one. I’ve had this conversation with my sister, with friends and with clients alike.
Getting started, getting past not feeling like it and struggling with yourself on what to do once you’ve actually convinced yourself to get moving are the three biggest stumbling blocks to working out in my opinion. Luckily, I have a couple suggestions for jumping over those hurdles (pun intended).
When In Doubt Work It Out By Doing Your Default Routine
I’ve mentioned this in the past. I believe we should all have a default workout. You know, that workout that is a no brainer for you. That workout that will give you a big bang for your buck, simply because you didn’t blow it off. Your default workout is that workout that doesn’t take a lot of thought or energy to get going. It’s that thing you enjoy doing. For me, it’s walking. I can do it outside. I can do it at the gym. I can do it on my lunch hour. I can do it before work. I can do it after work. I can do it anywhere and anytime. It’s easy, it’s effective and it’s my go to thing to do in a pinch.
Have A Written Plan For What You’re Going To Do
I’m big on planning. Planning takes all the guess work out of what to do next. I don’t know about you, but when I first started going to the gym I felt lost. I had no idea what to do so I just jumped on the treadmill. Well after awhile that became boring. Now I use the whole gym, which is really cool but it can also be a little overwhelming without a plan. So, just like I plan my meals, I also plan my workouts. When I do this, it takes the guess work out of what I’ll be doing for the day. I have my plan. I do what’s on my plan and I’m done. Here’s what having a plan will do for you:
- It will keep you focused
- It will help you to remain committed to your regimen
- It will help you to be more effective in working all muscle groups (if you have a strength training plan)
- It will help you to become more disciplined in working through your routines, especially if you’re going it alone (without a personal trainer)
- It will help you stay on track and maintain a solid workout flow
As I always say, planning is key! When we fail to plan we are planning to fail and failure is not an option!
Your Turn To Share
What is your “go to workout”? Do you plan your workouts? If not, why not?