How to Create a Consistent Exercise Routine

You know the drill about how great exercise is for you, but perhaps you struggle with making it a priority in your life. Consistency is the key to making exercise a lifelong habit. Here are some tips on building workouts into your regular routine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get out early. Research shows that people who exercise first thing in the morning are most consistent. Nothing except your alarm clock gets in the way—not an urgent deadline, a traffic jam or a happy hour gathering. For extra tips, see Resources below for a link to my eHow: “How to Exercise Early in the Morning.”

2. Be realistic. Set small, achievable goals at first. If you are new to exercise, plan to work out three times a week. Then move to every other day. As you progress you may build up to a 5-day (or more) weekly routine.

3. Have a specific plan before you start. You’ll want to build in a variety of workouts to keep things fresh (for example, strength one day, cardio the next) but the trick is planning ahead. Every Sunday night, map out your week of workouts and stick with it like it’s a doctor’s prescription. Your plan can even be as simple as “Mon: Walk 30 min., Wed: Walk 30 min. plus 15 min. push-ups and sit-ups.”

4. Find someone to keep you accountable. This can be a workout buddy or a personal trainer. Either way, pair up with someone who is inspiring and reliable. For extra tips, see Resources below for links to these eHow articles: “How to Find an Exercise Partner” and “How to Hire a Personal Trainer."

5. Set goals and keep track of your progress. Maybe your goal is to lose weight or run 5 miles. It could also be as simple as “exercise every other day for a month.” Seeing progress will keep you motivated and consistent.

6. Find inspiration or distraction. If exercise goals don’t engage you, pick a favorite diversion and build that into your exercise routine. Listen to music, watch TV or read a magazine while you exercise.

Resources

• How to Exercise Early in the Morning
• How to Find an Exercise Partner
• How to Hire a Personal Trainer

[kinderhook]

on 9/16/2009 Good tips. I always take my walk first thing in the morning--and keep my walking clothes in the bathroom so they're right there to put on. Afterwards, I write down on a small calendar the length of walk I took-- sixty minutes rather than one hour--plus the number of push-ups (done on alternate days) and if I've done floor exercises. 5* & rec

[goldeneaglebiz]

on 8/19/2009 Thanks Elizabeth, It think I came to this page just on time, and have subscribed to your articles. This one especially the 5 Tips to Lost Stomach Fat is sure going to help a lot. At 50, with sitting around on my work desk for more than 12 hours a day, your page is God send for me. Thanks again. I'm going to put your tips into practice right away. Regards,God Bless! A sure 5 STAR!

[Susanh]

on 7/25/2008 This is timely and helpful! Thanks. 5*****