How do I Commit to a New Health or Fitness Routine

Figuring out how to commit to a health and fitness routine is one of the most difficult hurdles you will face when it comes to pursuing fitness.  Lifestyle changes are never easy, and they take high levels of commitment to successfully implement.  cooldownwThe good news is that once a routine is established maintaining it is much easier.  To make fitness a permanent part of your life, you will need to transform your irregular exercise habits into a committed routine.  There are some methods or tricks you can use to make this transformation a bit easier.

 

First, you will want to convince yourself that fitness is a habit you would like to integrate into your life. In this case, fitness would include not only physical activity but also proper nutrition.  Choosing activities you enjoy, finding a workout partner, maintaining a set schedule, logging your physical activity and nutrition, and monitoring your progress can all help increase your motivation and transform your routine into habit.

However, it is important to note routine does not mean that you do the same activities all of the time.  In this case, routine means that you set aside scheduled time to pursue your fitness goals.  Varying your physical activities and modifying your program based on your progress are both important factors in continuing to experience success and maintain motivation.

National Academy Sports Medicine