Habits are funny things. Trying to start running can be an overwhelming challenge yet if you run every morning, well, you can run every morning. Getting to this level of consistent activity is easier said than done. Do not fear. I’ve got some tips for you to find the consistency you’ve been looking for in your fitness. Read on for 5 Ways to Keep Your Activity Level High!
1. Set Goals
With no goal, a football player has no incentive to shoot. Goals are vital for your motivation, and they can be unique to you. Whether it’s losing a few kilos, preparing for a competition or even…happiness, the feeling of achieving a target is hugely fulfilling.
A great way to create reasonable goals is to analyse your data. Apple, FitBit and many other brands create excellent technology for you to track and improve your performance. If you are at all competitive, another benefit of these devices is that you can compete with friends and family. Whoever wins, you’ll both be winning in the long term. You’re habitually doing things, that’s the main thing.
2. Create a Realistic, Achievable Plan
If you have a busy schedule and struggle to fit in your fitness. You are not alone. What many forget is that you don’t need to do all of your activity in one blast. You can split it into bite-sized chunks which suit you. Build a walk into your day, after lunch, between meetings or in the evening. If you want to train different muscle groups, put a 15, 30, 45 or 60-minute chunk of time aside to work on those areas. Try using the Programme workout app to help you determine which exercises fit into your lifestyle.
Whatever your plan, ensure that it is realistic. Nothing sucks more than being unable to stick to a plan you worked hard to create in the first place!
3. Be Adaptable
Yes, I said to set a plan. But life gets in the way sometimes, so be open to that happening from time to time. If you need a rest, take one, but use that time out to recharge so that you come back to your plan as soon and as strong as you can. If you’re getting bored of the same workouts every day, add something else in. There are many fantastic workout guides and ideas online and on the App Store. Nike Training Club is currently my favourite fitness app, however, there are many others. Why not throw yourself into a game of football or some mountain biking? Don’t be afraid to mix it up. After all, variety is the spice of life.
4. Consistency
To maintain a high activity level, a structure of consistency is essential. You can’t be perfect all of the time but try to go to bed, and get up and eat at the same times. These are cornerstones that our busy days can sometimes try to roguishly ‘shove around’. If they remain in place however, finding a regular time to workout becomes so much easier by virtue of the law of habit. Structure and regularity actually save time.
5. Do What Makes You Happy
Life is too short to be forcing yourself into something that you don’t want to do. If you’d rather walk your dog, or wear your headphones and sing in the rain, do it. Any activity is a good activity as far as your heart and mind are concerned. As important as press-ups and running times can be, having a smile on your face transcends it all. If you can smile through everything you do, then that’s the secret right there!
