As the new year approaches, So many people want to stay consistent through the year with their workout plan, I know a lot of new year goals are made and for most people at the top of their list is to start visiting the gym. Some want to subscribe to a new gym, some want to get a fitness trainer, while others just want to lose some weight this year. Whatever your fitness goal is this new year, I’m sure you want to stay consistent at it.

That’s actually the only way I know to get results from your workouts, no matter what your workout goal is, if you are not consistent I won’t work out.

Coming after the festive season, it may be difficult to kick straight into it. I wrote about how to stay fit during the festive season and I think you should read it if you haven’t

So how can I stay consistent with my fitness goal? That’s exactly what I want to talk about, so sit back and read on.

Have a Routine

Create a routine around your workout, typically I will say wrap it around your everyday activities that you would need to do. Like laying a brick upon each other that would eventually form a beautiful way and house or whatever you are building joo get? I typically have my workout right after work, I have my gym clothes in my car and I head to the gym right after work, before eating or resting from the long day’s work, I get my workout in.

That way it is almost impossible to miss my workout because I most certainly will have to go to work. I trust you will make a time around your everyday activity that will help you stay consistent.

Make it Fun

Making it fun to me sound like doing something new as often as possible, repetition can be boring and for workouts where you don’t see the results immediately you will want to make it fun and something to look forward to.

In my workout class, we have different ways we do this, the workouts are varied and sometimes we get members of the class to lead the routine, sometimes we go outdoors. The aim is to make it as fun as possible, I had people in my class engage their children and partners, sometimes I use my wife as my weights in the house, it’s always fun.

Set Goals

If you don’t know where you are going, everywhere looks like it. Set SMART workout goals and make them visible to you and whoever cares to see. SMART is acronym for

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time bound

Keep yourself Accountable

Don’t make your Fitness plan a secret, don’t try to shock us with the result, else you will end up shocking yourself with your inconsistency. Let someone know about goals, your plans and the process.

You will find this is a good way to keep yourself consistent. In my workout class, you have to post a video or picture to show you have engaged in the workout for the day and if you don’t do it for a certain number of days you will be called out. It helped keep a lot of people stay consistent, and they achieved their goals, because their goals were not secrets.

Set up a Trigger

A trigger is something that reminds you to work out, it could range from something small like setting an alarm on your phone, or once you brush your teeth in the morning, or right after your first cup of coffee. Whatever reminds you to work out and is certainly in your way.

Have your why and let it drive you

Your why should be bigger, stronger than your excuses, of course there will be excuses and legitimate once at that, but which is more important? Your fitness goal or your excuses? Whichever it is, let it inspire you to be better, to do better and to stay fit.

Take Baby Steps

To be honest, from my experience the gym is usually fuller in January but many people let the people bench pressing 180Kg intimidate them. Remember your fitness goal is not a 100 meters’ race, it’s more like a marathon and it will take time, consistency and endurance.

Start small and grow into it, aim for consistency. It is ok to start small, ask questions when you don’t know, don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. It’s ok to pull when its push at the gym as long as you are working out.

Celebrate Small Wins

Be happy with your progress and celebrate it. Don’t break out of your new habit because you want to celebrate.

Dynamics Strength and Conditioning wrote about some mistakes you could be making that is affecting your weight loss journey, I think it is worth a read.

If you enjoyed this post please like, comment and share with your friends and foes. Compliments of the season to you and yours.

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