When it comes to working out, starting is the easy part, sticking with it in the long term, not so much. Today, you are feeling motivated and vowed to yourself that you will keep on working out even after achieving your desired shape. It goes on for the next weeks, then you get tired and opted to skip, making reasons to justify your action. Skipping exercise for one or two days can have a big impact on what you have started. The next thing you know you’ll back at square one. Learning to be consistent with your workout schedule is a challenge for everyone. Keeping your body in shape is not just about going to the gym or buying exercising equipment, you also need to have a proper mindset, a plan, and of course, be motivated.
How to start your Workout Schedule?
1. Identify your goals
What do you want to achieve as you work out? Are you planning to run a marathon, attend a wedding, or getting ready to achieve that perfect summer body? Whatever that is, it is important to have a clear grasp of what your goal is. From there, you will be able to develop your workout schedule and exercises easily.
2. Start Small
When you are just starting to workout, always remember not to overdo it. We can see workout gurus on YouTube doing it every day, however, for beginners, it is better to try it out for two or three days a week. In that way, your body will have enough time to rest and recuperate. Start slow for a month. After that, when your body gets used to it and you are still motivated and want to push yourself more, then you can increase the frequency of your workout.
3. Mark it on your Paper Calendar
Being consistent is important in your workout journey. One thing that can help you stick to exercising is by simply writing it on your paper calendar. Consider working out as an obligation you need to fulfil like finishing up reports or buying groceries. Set a time, date, and exercising activity you want to do on a specific day. If something comes up, just look at your paper calendar and do a little rescheduling so there won’t be conflict and you won’t have an excuse to skip.
Another important reason why you should write your workout schedule on your paper calendar is the fact that it’s visible. You can put it on your room, hallway, the refrigerator, or wherever convenient for you. It will serve as a constant reminder for you to get up and exercise as it gawks at you every time you pass by. Wonder how a workout calendar looks like? Stephanie Mansour of NBC News listed a 30-day strength training routine.
Upper Body Exercises
- Tricep Dips
- Push-Ups
- Side Plank
- Plank Ups
Lower Body Exercises
- Squat
- Side Lunge
- Back Lunge and Lift
- Curtsy Lunge
- Calf Raises
- Wide Leg Open-Toe Squat
Core Exercises
- Superman
- Cobra
- Ab Curl Hollow Hold
- Side-Lying Inner Thigh
- Side-Lying Outer Hip