The Wellness Center's Blog

Six Ways to Stick to a Workout Routine

By: Wellness Center Staff

January 1, 2014, 5:24 pm - Categories: Fitness Tips

It’s the New Year, and many people are thinking about one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions — beginning a workout routine. We all know that change, even the positive kind, can be a challenge at first. If you’re among those who are thinking about making a fresh start with exercise, here are some tips to help you on your way to a healthier 2014.

#1 Put your gym shoes by the door. It’s harder to talk yourself out of going.

Taking small steps like this to plan ahead can help your mind and body say yes to working out.

#2 Team up!

Stay accountable and have more fun by committing to fitness with a friend.

#3 Know your starting point.

It’s important to know your fitness level before you begin, so take the time to have a fitness assessment performed. This will highlight any areas for improvement and give you some direction on goals you’d like to set for yourself.

#4 Define achievable goals.

Want to run 10 miles without stopping? Bench press what you did in college? Lose 20 pounds? Start by setting smaller, easier goals first. Leaping from the first floor to the second floor is impossible, but it’s easy if we take the stairs, one step at a time.

#5 Reward yourself.

If you’ve met your goal this week — say, working out two times for 30 minutes each — feel good about what you have accomplished. Treat yourself to some free time, a new workout shirt, a massage, or a healthy dinner out.

#6 Make it a lifestyle, not an endgame.

Many people start fitness routines to lose a certain number of pounds. While goal setting can be very motivating and rewarding, be sure not to lose sight of what fitness is really about — staying active, making healthy choices, and feeling your best.