“I don’t understand why you don’t workout.”, “Why is it so hard for you to not eat sweets?”, “Can’t you just say “No”?” These are a few questions often asked by others as we embark on our health journey and even ones we ask ourselves. We know that exercise will make us feel better, we know that not overeating junk food will lead to greater success, we appreciate saying “No” to that extra drink, treat or to our friend trying to get us to skip the gym will payoff in the end, yet we still struggle. Why is this? I feel most (if not all) is because of your current habits. My goal with this blog is to help you learn new habits that you can incorporate daily that will have an impact now and the rest of your life.
Let’s first look at getting to the gym. If you haven’t been going for quite some time (or ever), you’re kidding yourself that you’re just magically going to be consistent and love it. I feel you have to make going to the gym second nature and make it so easy and appealing that you’d never think of missing. Those of us that regularly go, don’t necessarily always want to. We have just made it such a routine part of our life that we don’t have to think about it. Thinking about it and possibly having options will make it more challenging than if we eliminate some of the distractions/obstacles. Here are a few tips.
- First, look for a gym that is close to your home. Go in and see how you like the environment. Or if you’re going to workout at home, clear space and make sure you have all the necessary equipment and space.
- Get your gym clothes out before you get your work clothes together and put them in the front seat of your car or by your keys.
- Schedule when you’ll work out, where you’ll work out and what type of workout you’ll do. Is it strength training? If so, is it upper, lower, full body? Are you going to take a class? Is this a rest day? Cardio?
- Have an accountability partner or hire a coach. If you are unable to hire a coach, see if you can get a friend or family member to workout with you. If you’re unable to, find someone you can share your plan with and allow them to call you out when you miss and you should not. This goes for when you should rest as well as workout. Both are critical.
Are you having a hard time to not over indulging with sweets, treats and/or alcohol? It can be a challenge to overcome cravings, but if you don’t buy it you’re less likely to eat or drink it.. If you feel you “need” to have whatever item is your Achilles heel in your home then put in a spot that is more conspicuous. If it’s out of sight and/or more a challenge to get to it, you’re less apt to have it. The counter to this is, have healthier options more readily accessible. If it’s sweets you crave, put them behind healthier choices: nuts, protein powder, turkey jerky, etc.. If you feel like grabbing a beer, put it behind water, unsweetened almond milk or even healthy food choices.
Just say “No”! For some of you reading this, you may remember this being a big thing in the 80’s and it still holds true. While we’re not necessarily discussing drugs (which you should say “No” to) you need to learn to say “No” when someone asks you go somewhere you don’t want, eat something you don’t want and/or compromise your fitness goals. Surround yourself with positive influences that will help you stay on track and you will be more likely to stick to your plan.