According to a number of different studies, as many as 80% of people can’t stick to a consistent exercise regime and end up giving up.
That means only 2 people in every 10 can do it!
And now, considering most of us Melbournians have to fend for ourselves over the next 6 weeks, it makes the challenge just that little bit harder.
The stats are against us all so how do we buck the trend and make sure we’re in the minority that can get the job done?
Here’s a few things to consider to help give you a better chance of working your way into a good routine and sticking to it.
Firstly you simply need to enjoy it. If you aren’t enjoying what you’re doing and more importantly why you’re doing it, then inevitably you won’t continue to do it. This goes for anything in life.
If you’re one of those people that has a negative attitude towards exercise, then the chances of you reaching any sort of goal and creating a healthy lifestyle are next to zero.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you ALWAYS have to enjoy getting a sweat up and feeling uncomfortable. There will be times when you’re in the middle of slogging it out and it’s hard work, but that’s when you switch your mind to the way you’ll feel after you’ve completed your task.
The enjoyment and satisfaction that come from that is one of the most crucial elements to you sustaining good habits.
You need to tap into WHY you’re doing it sometimes, not always HOW. If you’re solely focused on how, it will seem like too much of a burden, too hard and therefore not enjoyable.
Another way to help keep you on track is to seek some help and guidance.
A lot of people end up getting deterred from starting or lose motivation because they aren’t getting anywhere due to lack of knowledge.
Seeking help is a big barrier for some people. Not sure if it’s an ego thing but for anyone listening we are here to help. We are fitness professionals and understand how the body works. Sometimes the hardest part is just asking.
While we’re on the topic of seeking help and support, another way to ensure you can stick to a constant exercise regime is to surround yourself with people who are doing the same.
Stats show it’s both easier and more enjoyable to exercise amongst a group of like minded people. There’s a sense of community, camaraderie and mate-ship involved that helps us feed off each other and ensures the slack is picked up when needed.
It’s like we humans inherently have a pack mentality and thrive in a social environment especially when it comes to exercising.
Now that we essentially have to train on our own though for the short term, it’s definitely a good time to reach out to friends, family and professionals to help keep you on track.
Having said that, accountability is the next point I’d like to elaborate on.
Along with support, accountability can be a huge motivating factor in a consistent exercise regime.
As mentioned before, it’s proven that people who train in groups, with friends or with a coach are more likely to see results.
In a world of living in isolation, this is where social media and technology can be of benefit.
Sharing your exercise journey and plans with friends, family and a coach can create an accountability platform for you. It calls into question your integrity and can assist you in following through with it.
Final point id like to make is from a time perspective.
In my opinion if something is important enough to you, you’ll ALWAYS have time because you’ll make time.
This means that planning and preparing are crucial to helping you incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
It needs to be planned, booked, followed through with and ticked off every time otherwise you’ll be in that 80% I spoke about faster than the spread of this bloody virus.
Make sure you’re giving yourself every chance to get some daily exercise in and if you need some help, just reach out we are here to help.
‘’If you have a body, we can help you’’
Ben
Infinite Fitness Peninsula
