Working Out and Sticking To It: 5 Ways To Stay Consistent With a New Healthy Routine

It can be tough to figure out how to get into a new workout routine, no matter how hard you try to create a schedule you can stick to. Here, we’ll take a look at five steps that you can take to get consistent with your healthy lifestyle. 

1. Get an accountability buddy. 

It can be tough to go it alone when it comes to developing new habits, and hooking up with a friend for workouts can help you stay on track. When you know that someone else is depending on you to show up at the gym, you’ll be less tempted to skip out on your workout. 

2. Find an activity that you love. 

While you might not love every workout, you shouldn’t generally dread exercising. It can take some time to find a workout that you enjoy. Whether that means hitting up a group exercise class, getting out for bike rides on the weekend, or playing soccer with friends, finding an activity that you look forward to can go a long way in helping you stick to healthy habits long-term.

3. Fuel yourself properly. 

It can be tempting to cut your calories in order to get faster results at the gym, but doing so creates unsustainable progress. It’s important that you take your time when losing weight and getting stronger, and that you focus on fueling your body so that it has the power necessary to carry you through your tough workouts. If you’re not sure about how to eat right, don’t try to figure it out by reading diet programs online. Schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian to learn how to eat in a way that makes your body work for you.   

4. Get prepared. 

Preparation is more than half the battle when it comes to working out. To get settled in a new healthy routine, you’ll want to make the process of getting to your workout as mindless as possible. The night before your workout, set up your clothes, fill your water bottle and put it in the fridge, and set up your equipment (if you’re working out at home). When you know that everything is in place and ready for you to get started in the morning, it can be a little bit easier for you to get up and moving as soon as you hear your alarm.

5. Reward yourself. 

No, we’re not talking about taking yourself out for a cheeseburger and drinks at the end of a hard workout (sorry to disappoint), but choosing non-food related rewards for the accomplishment of fitness-related tasks can be a serious motivator. Think about getting a pedicure after you hit the gym for five days in a row, or getting yourself a new pair of running shoes when you finally hit your goal mile time.