Being active is a conscious effort for many and can feel daunting when you dont know where to start. Creating a workout routine that works for you is about prioritizing your time, picking activities you enjoy, and giving yourself permission to try new things.
Any activity is good for you and when you start making steps to improve your physical health, youll find that you look forward to doing it because of the results you get and how it makes you feel.
Schedule Your Time
Struggling to find the time to work out is a real problem. Going to work, picking up kids from school, and doing all the activities associated with it is a lot on its own. Never mind that working out will require an extra hour of your day when you already feel exhausted. The key to creating a workout routine that works for you is to schedule your time.
You wont accidentally end up at the gym just like you wont accidentally wind up with strong muscles. It takes time, and people who are committed to working out know that they need to carve out the time in their schedules to get it done. Additionally, setting aside money for fitness is just as important as saving up for a home improvement project. Prioritize it with your time and money, and youll do it.
Pursue Activities You Enjoy
Just because someone else is a runner and really loves to run doesnt mean that running is the best activity for you. Part of creating a workout routine that works for you means finding activities that you enjoy the most and focusing on doing them.
It may take some time as you try out things like cycling, rowing, hiking, walking, lifting weights, country line dancing, and even swimming. But finding an activity and doing that regularly will be far more productive than just running because thats what other people think you should do to work out. What do you like doing to stay active? Do that thing more often.
Get a Workout Buddy
Working out with a friend is another great way to stay on track with your goals and create a workout routine that works for you. A buddy can help you meet up even if you dont feel like it.
A friend can give you the motivation to keep going even when you feel like you want to quit. And a friend can help remind you of what you hope to gain by working out. Creating a workout routine with a like-minded friend is an excellent way to stay committed.
Learn Something New
Working out can get boring after a while. Doing the same workout videos, going to the gym and using the same equipment, and even just running around the block gets mundane. When youre feeling less than excited about your workouts, try something new.
Make it a habit to incorporate a new kind of workout into your routine once a month just to give you something to look forward to. Switch from using machine weights to free weights with neoprene dumbbells. Switch from running to doing a week of swimming. Not only can it make working out more exciting, these changes can also reduce the risk of injury.
Dont Go Out in the Heat
When youre new to working out, the last thing you want is to get heatstroke. Here in the Big Easy, it can get hot in the summer months. Many people prefer working out early in the mornings or in the evenings because they can go outside without feeling overheated.
Going out when its too hot outside can lead to exhaustion and dehydration much quicker than when you work out indoors. Start your routine indoors or in the cooler parts of the day until you work up the stamina and habits to help you handle the hotter parts of the day.
Add Walking to Your Workout Routine
Most people mistakenly think that unless youre breathing hard or your heart is pounding super fast, the workout doesnt count. That couldnt be further from the truth. Walking is a powerful activity that activates your entire body.
Your heart and all your muscles work together to help you have improved health, develop more muscle mass, and to even improve stress. Walking is something that most people can do and is a great option when you just dont know what kind of workout to do that day
