So, you made a pact with yourself to start working out. Or maybe you started a while ago only to lose steam a few weeks in. We’ve all been there. But what if I told you you only needed to be aware of and practice a few things? What if I told you it isn’t that complex to figure it out? Or What if I told you there’s a way you can make exercise a non-negotiable part of your daily routine? Or What if I told you, you can build a consistent exercise habit without needing to rely on motivation or willpower?
To create a consistent exercise habit is to show up no matter what, and that’s what consistency is about. Whether it is to lose weight, build muscles, get abs, stay fit or just to feel alive. Whatever your aim is, consistency is what will be your ally in your journey.
In this article, you’ll discover the best ways to build a consistent exercise habit and make fitness a lasting part of your lifestyle.
How to Build a Consistent Exercise Routine
1 . Value consistency over perfection
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect before you start working out. For example, waiting for the perfect weather, equipment or outfit, is not necessary. Or maybe you feel there’s no visible result, or you think too much time has passed for certain exercises to not have been mastered.
While it is true that doing some exercises over time can help you get better at them or do them thoroughly, it’s not the final say. It could take more time for some exercises to feel less difficult, but it doesn’t mean you’re not improving yourself. Besides, being too used to doing some exercises is not necessarily good, and it could mean you need to take things to another level. When you place more importance on consistency over perfection, you’ll eventually build a consistent exercise habit.
2 . Having the energy shouldn’t be the only reason to workout
It’s important to be mindful of having the mindset of working out when you ONLY feel energized to do so. Because most days you wouldn’t feel like it. You’d be surprised at how a lot of people don’t work due to having the energy to, or because they feel like it. The beauty in building a fit body is the ability to PUT yourself in the mood to work, despite what’s going on around you.
There will be days when you’d rather watch TV, be on your phone, or hang out in bed. Or someone got you angry, or you’re just in a good mood, or you had a fight with someone. And then you think you can’t work out anymore. Don’t do that. Do not allow events around you to dictate when you need to do the things you need to do. True, some unpleasant things can happen, but remember that you owe it to yourself to work out that day. Those times are very significant, and build your character over time, which can lead to building a consistent exercise habit.
3 . Change your view on fitness
When you stop seeing exercise as a “have to, but a “great to”, activity, you will eventually develop a consistent exercise habit. Your perception of things is very important. Therefore, when you stop viewing exercises as a chore, but as a time to feel good, and take care of your body, it can help build consistency.
4 . Remember your WHY
This might sound cliche, but your why can be a game-changer in terms of consistency and exercise. It can be a great tool in building a healthy lifestyle, and your Why can anything? When you think about why you want to work out, it can give you some motivation. So, whatever your Why is, think about it and want it more, this would help you feel more motivated to keep things going.
5 . Don’t be in a rush
One of the mistakes I’ve seen people make when it comes to working out is being in a hurry to get there. That is, to look the part. It’s not a bad thing to be ambitious about your fitness goals, however wanting it to happen too quickly won’t end well. This is one of the reasons people quit too quickly because they unintentionally create unrealistic expectations.
A few weeks of working out, and eating healthy may not make you look like the fitness trainer you follow on social media. These things take time, including weight loss or weight gain, and it doesn’t just happen. Regardless of what your goals are, results can take time, and it is different for everyone. Everyone is different, and exercises can provide different outcomes for everyone. So, if you want yours to come too quickly, you might end up disappointed. Being in a rush to have your dream body is not the best idea, but focusing on your efforts and trusting the process can be beneficial. Therefore, focus on daily improvement and how much strength and stamina you’re building, the rest will fall into place.
6 . Start small
It is easy to be all fired up and ready to go, which can lead to you overhauling your entire routine at once. Begin with tiny, manageable changes. Start with a 10 to -15 minutes workout session, and go from there. As you get into the groove, you can gradually increase the duration and frequency.
7 . Schedule it in
Place a high importance on your exercise routine. Treat your workouts like any other non-negotiable appointment. Therefore, write them down in your calendar, set reminders, and show up. As much as possible, let your exercise routine have a set position in your life. Avoid planning events around the hour of the day or your workouts or gym routine. So, you can immensely prevent skipped workout time. Consistency is key, so aim to exercise at the same time every day or week.
8 . Mix it up
It’s okay to mix things up with your workout routine, to avoid boredom. Try new workouts, join a fitness class, or find a person or people to work with. You probably didn’t know this, but as it is nice and helpful to spice things up in a romantic relationship, you can do the same with your relationship by exercising. There’s nothing wrong with bringing some freshness into your workout routine. Novelty will keep you engaged and excited about exercise.
9 . Make it flexible
You can incorporate exercising your body in more ways than your workout time. You can take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to work or the supermarket, park further away, or do a quick home workout during commercial breaks. Some people even perform squats while watching their favorite TV shows. What matters is you find ways or make ways to get some physical activity in, regardless of the place or position you’re in.
10 . Celebrate milestones
So you got to complete your first month of training, or even get to the end of the week? Celebrate it. Reward yourself for reaching exercise milestones, because YOU DID THAT. You stayed true to your goals, which is something you should feel proud of. Treat yourself to a post-workout smoothie, a new workout outfit, or a relaxing bath. You deserve it! When you celebrate these small steps, you’ll start to look to achieve even greater heights, which can help you build a consistent exercise habit.
11 . Don’t give up because of a setback
Be kind to yourself and remember that setbacks are inevitable. Don’t beat yourself up or decide that you will never get it right over missed workouts or plateaus.
Think about this: The fact that you spilled some tea on your shirt doesn’t mean you decided to pour the whole cup on yourself right? Or because a slice of bread dropped on the floor, doesn’t mean you’ll drop the rest of the slices on the ground right?
Do you see how wrong that will be?
Therefore, don’t self-sabotage because of some small mistake. Instead, focus on progress, not perfection, and get back on track as soon as possible, and keep moving forward.
A message from MedSpurs
To build a consistent exercise routine is to keep going forward, regardless of how you may feel or see. Consistency is the art of showing up, no matter what. It is focusing on progress and not perfection, it is being patient, and trusting the process. To be consistent is to focus on the journey and not the destination, it is to celebrate small wins, to get back up on your feet after a minor setback. When you start applying these tips to your fitness routine, you’ll be well on your way to building a consistent fitness routine. You’re going to crush your fitness goals, so keep showing up!
