Top 10 Tips to Making (and Keeping) a Workout Schedule

Workout schedule, blah! Just those words make most of us head back to Facebook or find anything else to avoid the idea of making time for exercise.

But the plain truth is, a workout schedule means that you’ll actually do the workout AND start to see the results.

And that’s what we all want, right? More energy, better fitting clothes, feeling good, no doctor/spouse/kids nagging us about our health.

Ready to start feeling better? Here are my top 10 tips for making and KEEPING a workout schedule…

1. Don’t over-commit

If you are just starting, be sure you take it day by day and modify if you need to. Please let my experience benefit you. There must be a purpose for my personal suffering. I tend to jump ALL IN on Day 1 and then bear the consequences of stiff and sore muscles for the remainder of the first week. Take it from me, it is okay to start slowly. In fact, it is best to do it that way. Once your body gets used to this new movement, you can drop the modifications and start to amp up the intensity.

2. Stick to It

Even if you wake up and have zero desire to complete your workout – JUST GET STARTED. Consistency will yield results even if you occasionally have to just go through the motions. Actually, I find that once I start, after 5-7 minutes, I am enjoying myself. You can even give yourself an out, if you commit to doing at least 5 minutes then mentally it is easier to get started. If you still want to quit after 5 minutes, you can. But I doubt you will.

3. Share your goals with others

Making your goals public by sharing them out-loud or online will help you stay accountable. It is easy to just give yourself a pass on a day when you aren’t “feeling it.” It is a lot harder to explain why you had to spend an hour on Pinterest instead of doing your workout to someone else.

4. Find a workout buddy or accountability partner

This journey is far better with a buddy, or two. Getting someone else involved will encourage you to show up on days when you might be less than motivated to workout. I like to workout with my husband at least 2-3 times per week.

Remember, your workout partners can vary day by day. Have a friend meet you for a workout one day, then meet a sibling or another friend for another workout another day. Mix it up!

5. Hire a Trainer or a Coach

For some people, this is the best way to stay motivated. Your trainer isn’t going to let you off the hook like a friend would. And, paying the money for a trainer can really motivate you not to miss a workout. Not everyone has this option, but it is definitely a way to get started, or even just to get new workout ideas and techniques.

6. Schedule your workouts on your calendar

Nothing says commitment like putting an appointment on your calendar. I advise scheduling a month of workouts at a time, and setting up your workout buddies (then it is on their calendar too). Be sure to list the workout type and time on your schedule each day and have a backup time planned just in case you have a conflict on a particular day. I find as a busy mom, having a backup workout time saves me at least once a week.

7. Join an online support group

Sometimes, as well-meaning as they are, your immediate group of friends and family just aren’t the right people to motivate you and get your butt in gear. This is where support groups can be a huge asset. There are lots of websites and apps out there to help you track your fitness and connect you with a community of people who are working on similar goals.

As a Team Beachbody Coach, I offer free coaching and support. Our active online community can help motivate you as well as hold you accountable. Plus you have direct access to me for fitness questions, healthy eating resources and a ton of other ways to get you to your goals.

8. Eat Right to fuel your body

Yes, I’m sure you are nodding your head, but so many people miss this step when they start working out. If you want to see results remember this…

You can’t out train a poor diet.

Plus, it is way harder to stick to your workout plan if your body isn’t getting the nutrition it needs to fuel your exercise.

9. Find a workout you enjoy

Contrary to popular belief, exercise does not need to be torture to be effective. If you hate to run, DON’T make that your workout. If you’ve never tried running, then find someone to help you get started. There is no one right workout.

The right workout for you is one that you don’t hate, that fits into your schedule and that you will do.

With so many options out there, be sure to try different activities to find one that works for you.

10. Variety is the spice of life

Once you do find a workout you like, don’t do only that until you hate it. Mix things up and be sure to include some stretching or yoga in your plan. Fitness isn’t just about cardiovascular activity or muscle building, your body needs flexibility too.

Get Started

I am offering a FREE 15 minute 2015 Fitness Goal planning session to the first 10 people to complete the form below. Need some help getting started? Then this session is for you. We’ll discuss your goals, the obstacles you have and you’ll leave with a plan for the next 4 weeks.