3 Tips to Better Consistency in Your Fitness Journey
- Oct 29, 2015
- 3 min read
Here's some news worth sharing - according to the CEO of Thumbtack.com, Kikisfitkitchen personal training is ranked "#2 Fitness Trainer in Los Angeles" for 2015.
Anyway, I the time to share this not to toot my own horn, but to give you some useful tips to apply to your own fitness routine, tips that I believe yielded the results that got me this award.
So here are some very basic yet very effective tips to improve your consistency and consequently, your results. As the cliche goes, consistency is key. I witness the truth of this every day with people from all types of fitness goals.
1. Set a regular time.
After setting your resolve to get in a workout, or X amount of workouts in a week, think through when the best time is for you to realistically do it. If you make it around the same time every day, it becomes routine that is easier to follow, and less likely that the day will pass you by while you realize "oops, I didn't do that yet and now I don't feel like it anymore". Some of us are early birds that get in a quick exercise routine in the quiet hours of morning before kids get up and getting ready for work/ school begins. Others may be more happy getting in some exercise later to decompress from the day. Find what works for you, decide on a time, and do it.
2. One thing at a time.
When taking on positive changes in our routines and habits, it's most effective to put full focus and effort on one thing at a time. With those I work with, I always introduce one healthy change at a time until the person get's the hang of it and it becomes more or less, a habit. Then introduce a new one. Suddenly deciding to completely cut out sugary foods when you have an untamed sweet tooth, while also cutting out all other junk food and starting a workout-6-times-a-week on your own plan, when these are all new things to you, will not work. It wont. At least not for long. That's life. Let me spare you the struggle of finding that out the hard way.
Making a deep-rooted, sustainable change that wont crumble under stressors and circumstances of real life, means adapting to one positive change at a time. That is how lasting results happen.
You can also check out my post 6 Habits to a Better Relationship with Food for another tips list on the dietary aspect of good heath habits.
3. Enjoy the process.
Lastly, be process-oriented. Make your exercise and wellness committment about the concrete work you are doing now, rather than the outcome down the line. For example, today's commitment might be "do lower body strength exercises at the gym", rather than "get toned"; or perhaps "eat carb-rich veggies in place of white bread" rather than "eat healthy". When we have a more specific action in mind for the now, it is easier to stay on track than just having a goal that lacks day to day direction. Knowing where you're going throughout the process makes it more enjoyable and effective.
And, of course, make a fun thing out of it. Perhaps you listen to music while you exercise, or include a friend to help you motivate each other. Maybe you get family to help you prepare healthy food and cook. Whether it's at home, at the gym, or outdoors, make it your space to enjoy time for yourself, or include those important to you.
Yes, this post is more about the "how" than the "what" to make things work, as the specifics and science behind what to do in your exercise and nutrition varies a lot more by individual need. These tips can work for everybody.
Yes, only 3 things on this list. Why? (...Test to see if you're paying attention)
Because focusing on less at a time is more effective.
So with that, now it's your turn to come up with one thing you would like to do for your health that you know you have control over.
Have it?
If not, take another moment to think about it and set your intention.
Ok.
Now decide when and what you are going to do today to make it happen.
Good luck and good health!
Kiki
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