If you are just starting out with exercising, it is important to know that it is not always easy to stick to an exercise schedule. Knowing this can help you prepare for the eventuality when maintaining the schedule seems tougher than it sounds. If you are getting back to your exercise schedule, you already know the difficulty involved in this. Here is a list of 7 ways to stick to an exercise schedule that will come in handy in both cases.
Create a goal for yourself that is not exercise oriented. For instance, you goal could be getting into a bikini by the start of the summer season or getting into that dress you saw in a shop window. You will find that the motivation of reaching such a goal provides one of the easiest ways to stick to an exercise schedule.
At the same time, it is important to set a goal that is exercise oriented. Set a target of doing x number of sets of push-ups, pull-ups, etc. Alternatively, set a goal in terms of inches you want to lose in a fixed amount of time. Make sure that these are attainable goals or you will simply end up demoralized.
There are many people who have achieved their goals despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Find a story that inspires you and you will find that it keeps you going when the going gets tough.
Find a friend or a family member who is willing to take on the challenge with you. You can be of great support to each other when it seems difficult to maintain your schedule. However, it is important that your buddy has the same commitment level as you and will not easily buy into your excuses, but will coax you to stick to your schedule.
Sometimes, getting started, or restarted, needs a little push. Many people find it much easier to do so when they have something new and exciting to help them, like new trainers or new exercise shorts or even new songs on their MP3 players.
Set goals for yourself and then reward yourself every time you cross a milestone. Treat yourself to a movie night with friends or go out clubbing as a reward for sticking to your schedule. This is one of the easiest ways to stick to an exercise schedule.
Once you have made it through the first few workouts, you will find it easier to maintain your exercise schedule. So, just focus on the first few and the rest will follow.
These 7 ways of to stick to an exercise schedule are extremely versatile. Try applying them to any situation in your life where you seem to be flagging and you will find that they work just as fine even outside of your physical training.