Set Yourself Up for Success

Tiny changes can make all the difference when it comes to new habits. These tiny changes might be very simple, take less than 5 minutes to perform, but will ensure your compliance when it comes to those important habits you are instilling in yourself.

Although many of us might say we want to lose weight and become more fit, we struggle to change our habits. We often sabotage ourselves with behaviors that run counter to our goals. Even though we know something works in our favor, we neglect to perform those helpful actions while remaining faithful to habits that hinder us.

These tiny habits all boil down to one thing: planning ahead. People who plan ahead set themselves up for success. It is as simple as that.

You might be so busy, you tell yourself you have no time to exercise. But exercise is necessary! Your body only thrives when it gets to move on a regular basis. You know you need to add more movement to your life, but you are not in the habit yet. How do you make it happen?

Set yourself up for success by planning ahead. Here are a few examples:

1) Put your sneakers next to the bed when you go to sleep. Have your exercise clothes ready, too. So when you roll out of bed, you don't have to think. You just put on those shorts and head out the door for a walk, jog, run, hike, or whatever type of moving you can do. If it's raining, have your exercise DVD ready as well.

2) Make an exercise date with a friend. Having someone who holds you accountable is extremely helpful! Sign up for a class together, or make a standing arrangement to meet at the park, the gym, or the pool. Choose someone who is at a similar fitness level so you both will be comfortable working at the same pace. Exercise is more fun with a friend!

3) Tie your exercise routine to something you already do every day. If you drive past the YMCA on your way home from work, try out some classes there. Or look for another gym or studio that is close to your workplace. Find something you enjoy. Make it so convenient that it would be ridiculous not to go each day.

4) Adopt a dog that needs daily exercise. If you are truly insane, adopt a very active dog! Then make sure you give that dog a long walk, with plenty of hills, at least twice per day. The dog will be happy and you will, too. Keep in mind that your dog will need this even when it is raining, snowing, sleeting, hailing, and burning hot out.

5) Join a club, sign up for a race, or donate money to your favorite charity while you exercise. There are loads of options: running, walking, or bootcamp clubs that meet in local parks; 5 or 10K races at schools, libraries, churches, synagogues, or other community facilities; apps that track your mileage while you walk or run and make donations to doggie rescues or other charities. Make your exercise count for something important to you!

Hope these suggestions work to get you moving! If you need even more motivation or support, consider one-on-one personal training. I am available to guide you through a wide range of different workout possibilities! Leave me a message below if you're interested.