Introduction
Many of you have once decided to start doing exercise regularly. You have adjusted the nutrition, found some inspirational mantras, and got a gym membership. In the beginning, you are in a state of euphoria, but soon your determination wanes, and even the feeling of time and money being wasted cannot make you continue. If you have found yourself in this situation, it is high time to review your vision of doing sport! This transformation includes changing the mindset, creating a schedule, and making exercise a ritual.
Adjusting Your Thinking
First, it is essential to elaborate on the perception of the sport as a source of pleasure and personal growth. It is wrong to view workouts as a punishment or work (Millard, 2019). Evidence suggests that self-compassion helps succeed in any given endeavor, so one of the main rules is to respect your body (Robinson et al., 2020). If you do not like running, there are plenty of other activities you can try to find that work for you, such as dancing, playing tennis or swimming. To make your training more enjoyable, you can also share this time with your friends or become a part of a group. Team spirit will help you maintain accountability and motivate you to continue (Semeco, 2017). It is worth pondering that there are so many wonderful programs such as Zumba or yoga, which can become a life-long passion for you.
Creating a Plan
Creating a plan is also important in order not to turn your exercise routine into something chaotic. The training schedule should be compatible with your lifestyle, so you had better find the time when you are not distracted by work or studying. Too much physical activity can lead to frustration, that is why you should eliminate the all-or-nothing attitude (Robinson et al., 2020). It is recommended to set a S.M.A.R.T. goal, which means it should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-sensitive (Tucker, 2020). The best way to regulate the amount of activity is to start with simple exercises and gradually add intensity, as you are getting stronger and more confident (Millard, 2019). Therefore, your plan should consist of attainable steps, and this will allow you to see the results quite soon.
Sticking to the Routine
Finally, when you have chosen the perfect kind of physical activity and created a coherent plan of action, it is a moment to begin implementing the program. One of the key components of success is sticking to your routine (Semeco, 2017). The aim is to make exercise a ritual, as natural as brushing your teeth in the morning. It can be hard to start, but you should remember that body responds to consistency over time, and you get more used to working out (Tucker, 2020). To instill a habit, you can create a simple trigger such as putting on your jogging shoes if you want to go running every day. At first, it will take a lot of willpower to go from putting on your jogging shoes to then going for the jog. However, when you feel the energy flow, you will not imagine your life without working out.
Conclusion
All in all, establishing a habit of doing exercise is a task that requires responsibility and commitment. First, you need to adjust your thinking and associate sport not with suffering but with pleasure and self-improvement. Choose a kind of physical activity that responds to your preferences. Then, create the schedule of training and define your goals. Finally, it only remains to bring your plans to life and be persistent. I assure you – one day, you will see that all your efforts are rewarded.
References
Millard, E. (2019). How to start exercising on a regular basis. HealthDesigns.
Robinson, L., Segal, J., & Smith, M. (2020). How to start exercising and stick to it. HelpGuide.
Semeco, A. (2017). How to start exercising: a beginner’s guide to working out. HealthLine.
Tucker, A. (2020). How to start working out again when it’s been awhile. Self.