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How many times have we all set out to get fit, and hit the gym hard for 2 or 3 weeks and then our commitment sort of just fizzled out.
When I set out to be a fit mom, I did not want that to happen. I wanted to set a good example for my children on sticking with regular exercise.
I made that commitment 8 years ago, and beside the times I have been injured or sick I have worked out anywhere from 3 times to 6 times every week.
The secret to creating a fitness routine that sticks?
I found what I liked, and I am continuing to try new things just to see if I might like them too.
Don’t feel like just because 5 of your friends got fit by running 5k’s that you too have to run. There are as many different ways of exercising out there as there are individuals. The key is to keep trying different things until you find something that you love so much you don’t want to skip it.
1. Try working out alone
2. Try working out with friends
3. Try a class
4. Try the cardio machines
5. Try the open road for running, biking or walking
6. Try swimming laps.
7. Try aquacise.
8. Try a workout session with a trainer
9. Try DVD workouts
10. Try Jump Rope
11. Try working out at night
12. Try working out in the morning
13. Try working out in the afternoon
14. Try signing up for races and training for them
15. Try keeping an exercise log and setting personal goals and charting your improvement
16. Try working out a a gym
17. Try working out at home
18. Try working out with the kids
19. Try making workout time “mommy time away”
20. Try working out with your spouse
I am sure there are 1000’s of different things you could try in the area of fitness, perhaps you could make a bucket list of all you want to try and just start working your way down it.
If you don’t love an activity it will become very hard to stick to, however you are not going to know if you love or hate it until you try it.
I suggest giving everything new at least a good 4 week chance, if you are still hating the activity after that try something new.
You don’t have to do that same thing every day for 4 weeks, you could just do it say twice a week for a month to give it a good try.
One last thing: Just because you loved it once does not mean you are married to it. You have permission to switch things up. I love to run, but I don’t just run, I also bike, swim, lift weights, and take the odd Zumba class now and again. In fitness it is okay to have several loves! It is also okay to switch to a different love! It keeps things from getting boring.
Looking for tips on getting fit? Follow my Fitness Tips board on Pinterest.
Other Posts In the How To Become And Stay A Fit Mom Series
Why I Love Being A Fit Mom And How You Can Become One Too
How To Become And Stay A Fit Mom: My Story
The Number One Secret To Creating A Fitness Plan That Sticks (you are here)
5 Ways To Make Fitness A Priority
Ways Your Friends Can Keep You Fit
The Number One Killer Of Sticking To A Fitness Plan
10 Ways Thrifty People Exercise
Fitness Motivation From Around The Web
When I first started getting fit I did Leslie Sansone walking DVD’s at home. I highly recommend them to anyone just getting into fitness. Once you conquer them (which took me a few months) you are ready to go onto something more challenging if you want. (always make sure to get Dr.’s okay before starting a new fitness program)
When I first started getting fit I didBecome A Snail Pacer
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Good tips. I admit I use many of them. More me, the best is to sign up for a race and train for them. If I want to put off a training run I think about how painful race day will be if I don’t put in the time. Next thing you know I am training!
I also LOVE my dace parties with the kids. Then we all get a little exercise while housebound in the winter.