10 Ways to Make Exercise a Habit: Part I

One of the most common comments that I receive from new clients is that they just can’t seem to find the time and determination to make exercise part of their daily routine. In a lot of ways, this makes sense. Lives today are busier than ever before. Between going to work, taking care of the kids, and finding some precious alone time, it can feel impossible to create a space in your schedule for fitness. On top of this, with so many stressors to deal with, sometimes working out can seem like the last thing that you want to do.

Making space for fitness doesn’t have to feel like a burden. In fact, many people come to view exercise as an essential, beloved part of their day when they can just focus on themselves. Fitness is about so much more than being thin. It’s about honoring your body and mind and creating a space to both heal and achieve things you never thought possible. 

In this blog series, I will discuss 10 ways that you can transform daily exercise from something you dread to something you look forward to and even come to love. If you’d like even more guidance, as well as personalized workout and nutrition plans, check out my wellness programs now. My 28 Day Challenge is a great way to jumpstart your fitness journey and create a lifelong exercise habit, whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your mental health. I also offer one-on-one virtual training, including nutrition advice, for a more personalized approach to lifestyle change. Sign up today or get in touch with me with any questions or concerns, and keep an eye out for part II of this series, where I share five more ways to learn to love exercise.

1. Stop waiting for the perfect time: If you decide to work out “when you have time,” you will never have time and never work out. Schedule your workouts like the priority that they are, and fit them into your schedule whenever possible. Even if you only get to work out fifteen minutes at a time, that’s fine! My programs feature short, quick workout routines that can be amazingly effective when done consistently. Fit them in over lunch break, while you’re waiting for your partner to get out of the shower, or even in that precious time between getting home from work and the kids returning from their after-school activities.While some of my clients love to exercise first thing in the morning, others prefer to do it at night. It doesn’t really matter when you do it, as long as you do it!
2. Communicate: The great thing about working with me as a personal trainer and nutrition adviser is that I offer one-on-one consultations. If you find that you’ve tried my workout routines for a while now and are still bored, unsatisfied, or discouraged, let me know! I can customize your fitness plan to play off your individual strengths and interests. If you’re a yoga fan, I can include more full-body stretching. Like to run? I’ll incorporate more aerobic exercise. An important part of working with a one-on-one trainer is that you let them know where you’re at. Don’t feel embarrassed if you’ve slipped on your exercise or diet routine. I’ve been there myself, and I can help you get back on track in a way that you will love.
3. Find an accountability buddy: While some people are perfectly fine having no one to hold them accountable for their weight loss or wellness goals, others may need to get by with a little help from their friends. If you’re looking for someone to help hold you accountable as you make fitness part of your daily life, think about introducing one of your friends to my fitness programs, and asking them to undertake it alongside you. You will be able to discuss your joys and frustrations, and have someone to report to every day about whether or not you followed through with your routine. The American Society of Training and Development found that people are 65% more likely to achieve their business goals after committing to another person, and their chances increase to a whopping 95% when they engage in ongoing meetings with their partners. I’ve found that, for many of my clients, the same logic applies to fitness. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and grab a bud to join you on your journey.
4. Stop comparing yourself to others: There’s no better way to destroy your self-esteem than comparing yourself to others. Have you ever gone on Instagram only to find you feel worse than you did before logging in? That’s because a big downside of checking in on all of your acquaintances’ fun and fabulous lives, super fit bodies, and enviable workout routines is that it can make you feel terrible about where you are in your own life. And the truth is, the people posting those photos are often not nearly as happy with themselves as they seem — even if they seem flawless, they still probably struggle with their body image and wish that they were somewhere/someone else. While social media can be a motivation booster for some people beginning a fitness journey, for others it can become a one-track path to self-destruction. Rather than mindlessly logging onto Facebook, ask yourself beforehand whether or not it’s good for your mental health. There’s no problem with taking a short break from social media as you discover how to love yourself through fitness.
5. Celebrate small victories: Victory doesn’t just have to mean dropping 20 pounds. Victory also comes in the form of finally being able to follow through with that workout video you thought you’d never survive. It’s sticking to your diet plan for a whole week, or reducing your body fat by an extra 1%. Although these achievements may seem small, each gets you one step closer to your ultimate goal. Celebrate these victories by sharing them with a friend or buying that pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing for months. Go on — you deserve it!

For even more tips on how to make exercise something you look forward to, check back for part II of this blog and sign up for one of my fitness programs, featuring motivational messages, app-based accountability, and video demonstrations to help you live your best life.