Exercising is the health and fitness mantra nowadays, but we all know that it is not a sweet piece of cake. It involves several planned activities whose routine must be adhered to however tedious it may be. Maintaining and improving this routine is a big problem for most weight watchers. Here are 7 tips for improving your workout routine if you want to achieve your health and fitness goals.
Whatever goals you have for working out, if the workout routine doesn’t entail a total change in your lifestyle, it is sure to fail. Accept this change in your lifestyle and get used to it. Working out is not an activity you try for two or three days and quit. It should be a habit, just like taking breakfast. It should not feel like a punishment. Although our bodies are designed to produce an equal opposite force against any force that introduces a change, you should not allow the demands of your body to interfere with your workout routine. When you develop the attitude that working out is part of your life, you will find your workout routine manageable and enjoyable.
Rome was not built on one day. Take one step at a time and you will find yourself doing what seemed impossible in the beginning. Too much of everything is dangerous because it leaves you feeling injured and discouraged. Every workout has its challenging part, but with practice, you will get the hang of it. Additionally, since workouts exercise the whole body, you can consider starting with your dominant side. This will enhance the effectiveness of the workout. For instance, when each leg or arm works independently, muscle development is more balanced.
It is important to document your progress so that you can compare the actual results and the expected ones. Keep a fitness journal that will let you know whether or not you are on the right track. It is easy to identify what needs to be added when you have a proper record of your progress right from day one.
A friend will be a shoulder to lean on when you feel discouraged. Do not expect everything to go as expected. Difficult moments are sure to find their way into your workout program. A partner will also keep you on toes and ensure that you observe your routine. If you are in charge of yourself, it may be very difficult to maintain the workout routine, leave alone improving it.
Workout for yourself, not for your friends. Do not exercise to look good to other people. In other words, do not be externally motivated. If you look at your friends’ achievements in workouts, you may feel very discouraged. It is time to be yourself and keep it real. Go at your own pace.
Avoid the monotony of a single exercise program by mixing up several exercises. Of these exercises, find moderate and vigorous ones that you love. Ensure that you complete the circuit whenever you start a certain exercise activity. When you are doing strength training, switch machines frequently, to avoid getting bored.
You need to congratulate yourself on your achievements and condemn yourself on your failures. Reward yourself every time you achieve your goals so that you can get the motivation to continue with your workout plans.
All said and done, working out requires commitment. Workout time is workout time, whether you are feeling tired, you are busy, or the weather is bad. Keeping time is also a very important aspect of improving your workout routine.
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