Finding Your Way to a Regular Exercise Routine

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Exercise and Consistency

Finding your way to a regular exercise routine doesn't sound difficult. But the truth is, we are human and we get bored with regular, unremarkable regimes. At the start of any journey there is excitement and unpredictability, so we delve into anything new with gusto and enthusiasm. Our expectations are high and the results are never quite what we wanted. 

Understanding that exercise and fitness levels do come to those who persevere. I have had many clients, students and friends that have reaped the benefits from exercise, yet still the motivation and enthusiasm does not remain constant and in some cases, sadly it leaves all together. Unfortunately with this, regret follows and I so often hear the words "I felt so much better when I was exercising, I don't know why I stopped".

I can pretty much guarantee that most of you who are reading this will be nodding your head in agreement. We have all done this and find we need to summon up the energy and the motivation to start the journey all over again. So lets look into some exercise routines and see if there is anything that can trigger some interest or maybe explain what is expected from each type of workout regime.

Going to the Gym

The gym is normally a 'New Year, new me' motivational trip and January is a time when membership revenue soars!! January - full gym, February - half full gym. This is a shame as new members are tied to a contract and do not go to the gym due to lack of knowledge when using the gym equipment. This is simply because they do not realise the full entitlement of a membership. With a gym membership you normally qualify for an induction. This is basically a tour of the gym. Most new members are expecting more than just a 'show around' and this in itself is quite off-putting if you have never used a gym before. Another benefit of a membership which is not utilised is a personalised programme. This is a 'must' for new members. After your induction the instructor will book an appointment and speak to you in length, regarding your fitness goals. They will then design a programme so that you can reach your fitness goals. You will be shown how to use the equipment needed for your own personal programme and the programme will be reviewed after 12 weeks, so that any adjustments can be made. For example, in 12 weeks your fitness levels may have increased, or you may find you are stronger and can lift heavier weights. Once the adjustments have been made by the instructor, you will then be even closer to achieving your goals. Both the induction and the programme are normally part of the joining membership fee, if not the cost for these services will be minimal. 

Personal Training

Personal Training is one step up from a gym programme. This service comes at a cost, usually per hour and involves a personal programme designed by the trainer plus a one to one service. The personal trainer will be monitoring your progress and will use motivational skills to help you reach your goals. With a one to one service, the personal trainer will be keeping a close eye on your form, making sure you are doing the exercises safely and giving you advice on healthy living and eating. Personal trainers will push you harder than you would probably push yourself which is an added bonus especially if you are feeling tired or not in the mood for a workout. They also have motivational tools and mindset knowledge to help you achieve your personal goals and more. A good personal trainer will be in contact with you between sessions and will be expecting feedback and questions on your fitness journey. Personal Trainers can be found on the noticeboards at your gym or online with their own websites. Some Personal Trainers have their own gyms, so you do not have to be a member of any gym (on-site or online). Check out this website for an insight into good personal training skills Jack Williamson Personal Trainer  

Fitness Challenges

These types of workouts are a great idea for keeping your motivational levels in tip top condition. They normally come with a time limit which cuts out the regular and limitless gym sessions. You can also choose how long you need to carry out the challenge. For example you may want a 30, 60 or even 90 day challenge. You can also choose what type of challenge interests you. An example might be a lower body strength challenge or 100-a-day squat challenge or you could be looking for both a strength and cardio combined challenge. You may see these advertised locally? I have seen quite a few gyms advertising an '8 week fitness challenge for women over 35 and under 45'. This is an excellent challenge if you want to exercise with a group of people that are your own age and gender. Some challenges come at a cost and some are free. Check these online challenges HasFit Free 30 Day Challenges to get in shape These particular challenges have both workout and diet plans. 

Home Workouts

You can't get any better than rolling out of bed and straight on to your workout mat? You can do this for free too with no gym membership required. There are plenty of free online workout routines to follow and some excellent Youtube channels that have workout plans and challenges already set up for you - all you have to do is choose what's best for you. 
The biggest challenge here, is to make sure you 'turn up' for each workout and set up your own routine to follow. You will need to motivate yourself and set your own goals. 
Make sure you study the workouts so you are exercising to the correct form. It helps if you can set up a workout area, with enough space for you to exercise. Think of your safety here, making sure breakable items are out of reach and there is nothing that is easily knocked over or unstable too close to where you will be exercising. You could also place a full length mirror against a wall so that you can check your form as you exercise. Sometimes we feel we are doing something correctly when in fact we are not and this could lead to injury. If you are uncomfortable with looking in a mirror, then you could video yourself and watch your form afterwards. I have listed The Best Youtube Home Workouts here that you can use.

Choose What is Best for You

The best advice I can give anyone, is to choose what is best for you. It's no good doing something you think will be good for you if it's not manageable, or too time consuming if you are limited for time. You can exercise for an hour or you can workout for 20 minutes, both will work if they fit into your daily routine and lifestyle. The things you need to consider before choosing an exercise routine:
  • How much time you can realistically attribute to exercise
  • Your current fitness levels
  • Any injuries that you have, choose exercise that is suitable for your ability
  • Look at your diet - exercise won't cancel the effects of poor eating habits
  • Choose something that you enjoy - don't try a 'runners challenge' if you don't enjoy running
  • Don't look at extreme workouts - fitness is for life not a quick fix.
If you are unsure where to start your fitness journey, I have compiled a few ideas to get you started:

 
Think about your goals and what you want to achieve. Once you know in your mind what you are aiming for, then it is vitally important to put a plan into place. This helps you to stay on track and if things are not going to plan, then make adjustments to your plan and not just give up or change your goals. There is an Importance to Goal Setting and it's a major part of your fitness journey. 

Another important factor to add to your workout is to always warm up and cool down. There are many benefits to stretching and I have included a stretch routine to this link.

©HealthyForeverFitnessMotivation

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