The best workout plan in the world isn’t anything without commitment and consistency. It’s not only important to be mentally committed, but it’s equally significant to be consistent when it comes to exercise. Without commitment and consistency, it’s impossible to produce favorable results.
Because commitment is more of a mindset and consistency is more of an action, it can tend to be more challenging to carry out an act rather than a state of mind. Luckily, the three steps below outline how to establish consistency and unlock the key to success in the gym:
Adopt a new mindset
Unfortunately in the fitness industry, it’s common to interact with clients who want quick results with minimal work, and our society is to mostly blame for this. However, getting in shape is not a destination—it’s a journey.
Exercise is something that is meant to be a regular event like brushing your teeth or showering. Although it doesn’t need to necessarily be done everyday, it does need to be done on a regular basis in order to remain in optimal health.
Just because a goal such as losing 10 pounds or performing 25 pushups has been reached doesn’t mean that exercise should stop, just like having clean teeth doesn’t mean that tooth-brushing should no longer be performed.
Adopting a new mindset is the most important tactic to becoming consistent with exercise. It’s important to understand that exercising is more than fitting into skinny jeans again or reaching a specific goal. It’s a way of life.
Choose something enjoyable
Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s is not only famous for his ice cream but also for this quote, “If it’s not fun, why do it?” Jerry brings up an important point that holds true when it comes to exercise.
Exercise may not be enjoyable for everyone, but there is usually some sort of physical activity that can be enjoyed. Find any activity or sport that is enjoyable and do it. If you select an activity you truly dread, it’s a setup for failure. For example, if running isn’t enjoyable, don’t try to be a runner. Simple as that.
For those who don’t enjoy any type of exercise, enlist the help of a personal trainer. The right certified individual can assist with exercise, create accountability and find a style of exercise that is enjoyable, such as lifting weights or boxing. The right personal trainer can truly change the perception of exercise.
Schedule the time
If time isn’t made, time won’t exist. Most people today lead a hectic and busy lifestyle filled with work, family, social obligations, errands, household chores, etc. With over-scheduled planners, it’s easy to put exercise on the back burner.
The best way to create consistency with exercise is to schedule a time that works best: morning, afternoon or evening. Create an appointment with exercise, similar to a work or doctor’s appointment. Block off the time and don’t let anything interfere.
Now in a perfect world, nothing would get in the way of an exercise appointment. However, in the real world this doesn’t remain true. If a family or work emergency comes up last minute, simply adjust the workout to take place later in the day, or if necessary, the following day.
The harsh reality is that there are no excuses when it comes to not having the time to workout. Time must be made, regardless of how busy life can be.
Jason DeHenzel has trained some of New York’s most prestigious clients, including high-profile lawyers, advertising executives, movie producers and musicians. Sophie DeHenzel is a Pn1-certified nutritionist and former downhill ski racer. The pair founded DeHenzel Training Systems to develop customized fitness plans for clients of different abilities, experience and commitment. Find out more at dtsnova.com.
