One of the main challenges in succeeding with an exercise routine is staying consistent. It may seem like multiple barriers are hindering your ability to stay on track. The alternative, not exercising, is infinitely easier. But then you would have to face the guilt of knowing you are letting yourself down.
What you ought to do is focus on getting the most out of your exercise program. If it feels like your efforts are worthwhile, it will not be difficult to be consistent.
So, what can you do to get the most out of your exercise program?
Determine your reasons in detail for exercising. Why are you getting started or why did you get started? You have your reasons. Write them down, and define your motivation. If you are like many people, you will have…
- high blood sugar,
- excess body weight,
- cardiovascular problems, or
- self-esteem issues
driving you. But you must go into more detail than this. A good example would be…
“My reason for exercising is to lower my blood sugar to alleviate any Type 2 diabetes complications, help me lose weight, improve my overall health and live a long life.”
Establish your vision from the onset. To build on the previous point, aim to establish your vision from the onset of your exercise program…
- imagine, again in detail, where you would like to be.
- imagine a healthier-looking you.
- imagine you no longer have hypertension concerns, and you can return to not using medications.
Imagine being able to eat reasonably guilt free, because there is little worse than having to be strict with all of your food choices.
Look for signs of progress. In some ways, progress or the lack of progress can be the most discouraging element of an exercise program. Not seeing enough progress can deliver a harsh blow to your motivation. This is why it is crucial to set realistic expectations from the beginning and more importantly, look for signs of progress as time passes.
Provided you are sticking to your routine and exercising at least a few days each week; you should be making some progress. If you are not, this would indicate there is something wrong with your diet.
The point is to find reinforcement to keep you on track. When you don’t stay on track, you ought to see what is holding you back and address it immediately.
Remember why you started. Lastly, the best way to get the most out of your exercise program is to remind yourself often why you started. Especially when you feel you are taking the occasional step backward…
Remember your reasons. Remember your vision.
Progress is not always smooth. But if you keep going, you will overcome your temporary setbacks. At the end of the day, each workout will make you a little bit healthier than you were yesterday.
Consider these ideas to get the most out of your exercise program.
