Exercise has always been important to me. It’s my self-care. When I move my body I am overall a happier person, more productive, and have a clearer mind. Over time I have made it a priority because I know how important it is to both my physical and mental health.
Creating a consistent workout routine can be a challenge especially with a very busy schedule. But if you make it a priority you can certainly make it happen. You don’t need to set your alarm for 4 a.m. or exercise for a long period of time. As a mom of two, my workouts have become shorter since my marathon training days. Whether you’ve been wanting to create an exercise routine but don’t know where to start, or you’ve put it on the back burner and want to start again, these tips can work for anyone.
7 Tips for Creating a Consistent Exercise Routine
Find a time of day that works for you
For me, I am a morning person. But not everyone is. Pick a time of the day that works best for your schedule. That does not mean I always love getting up early but I know that by the evening I am way too tired to do anything but sit on the couch.
Schedule it on your calendar
If you schedule your exercise in your calendar you are more likely to accomplish it. Yes, there will be days where you schedule it but may not be feeling up to it. That is OK! We’re human. Give yourself grace
Find a buddy to keep you accountable
It makes it much easier when you have a buddy accomplish a goal with you. Schedule a run or tennis with friends or plan a workout with someone virtually!
Start out small
You certainly don’t need to go from no exercise routine to attempting to exercise an hour a day. Set small achievable goals that work for you. Start out with short efficient workouts of about 10 or 15 minutes.
Listen to your body and hydrate
Don’t strain yourself and drink plenty of water!
Step out of Your Comfort Zone
I used to dislike running. It was completely out of my comfort zone but once I stuck with it for a while I found I really enjoyed it. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore different things. Yoga is completely out of my comfort zone but my goal is to try it in the future!
No need to spend the big bucks
There are so many ways to exercise without spending a lot of money. You don’t need to join a gym or buy expensive equipment. All you really need is a good pair of sneakers. Start out easy with a neighborhood walk or explore what workouts are on YouTube for free.
